Honestly, Iowa is clearly the second best program over the past decade and it isn't really that close, so one could say those results support TnT as having a stellar track record. Who fires the heads of the second best program over a long period?
That said, if you take away the Spencer Lee effect and some temporary impact that had on both Nationals results and maybe some recruiting pull, the larger record of elite guys simply not developing into national champs is lengthy. "Iowa style" seems to be a thing of the past, and they have become too reliant on the portal without delivering.
Accompanying this slide, is the obvious techtonic shift of power, potential, buzz, and recruiting to OSU taking place, it seems the Brands are getting left behind on multiple levels. Chasing down tOSU, OSU, and maybe even VT ain't going to be easy. Losing Bo Bassett and Miller, especially due to a disagreement with the parents (no matter how challenging) may have been the last straw. I don't see their program adapting or recovering under their leadership.
It's looking more and more like they are the Nokia flip phone or BlackBerry of the smart phone revolution. Past greatness does not guarantee anything when the game is changing before your eyes.
In a sense is their predicament much different than the PSU football team under Franklin? Eventually it becomes time.
I think the Brands are talented, quite entertaining, and on balance good for the sport, but have lost their way manning a flagship 'institution' of a program. I doubt Iowa will put up with another year or two if the decline continues.
If they don't retire, I would like to see them revive some other program top 5-10ish prominence. I can see them doing that.