"He started out with a couple of 3-8 years but has made progress and now they're in a decent bowl game. How isn't that a turnaround?"
I believe the "turnaround" has more to do with Sonny, than Bob's brother.
"The guy was a coordinator on a national championship Oklahoma team"
More like 3rd in command, behind Bobby and BV. Also with much better players, see GC.
"decent bowl game with BYU (I know it's his 5th year)"
And was one loss away from being fired. Plus, "insiders" believe improvement was because of Sonny.
"Stoops name is huge in the Big 12 region, Iowa, and probably in Ohio. "
That will last maybe a year, two years tops (if it even is as big as you all like to think). Winning is everything.
Stoops brings neither proven winning with less or the excitement of a young up and comer. Maybe we can't get a coach with these qualities without a blemish, but I would rather take a flier on one with some baggage (like CU's old coach), as after a quick turnaround no one will care (look over to the east this year)