Ok, but this isn't going from $50k/year to $100k/year, or even $100k to $200k - it'd be what, $4 million to $8 million? Keeping in mind you already have $20+ (likely way more) million in the bank. And you'd be moving to an objectively worse city to raise a family, have less time to raise that family, and will likely be fired within 3 years. I think chasing the bag to only chase the bag is short-sighted in this scenario, particularly when you have enough money for your family to thrive for the rest of time already.
Edit: Sorry, can't read - now I see that you say you likely would PASS on that opportunity. I agree, no harm in taking the interview!
NCAA coaches salaries aren't going down - they might not continue to increase at these rates, but no current successful coach is getting a salary decrease anytime soon (if ever). Not only that, but the job security here is 100x that of the job security at these **** NFL teams. Would you prefer 10 years making $5 million, or 2 years making $8 million?
The "worse to raise a family" is a wildcard. Is Gilbert, Iowa (pop. 1,300) better than a wealthy upbringing in Lake Forest or a high end life with many social and economic opportunities in Chicago?
We aren't talking about shades of grey. Seems like different ends of the spectrum. Either can be great, but that's completely up to Campbell. The man has the luxury of options. We all have opinions about the choice, but it's completely up to Team Campbell.
Rumor was the draw of USC and SoCal was on his radar too. So different than Gilbert and Ames. So it's possible he is intrigued by it all