The part in red........
It appears that some thought must be given to job considerations if one is attempting to climb the ladder. Some, such as Synder, have proven that any job can be successful if you are good enough, but clearly some are better than others. I wouldn't have thought Colorado State would be better than one from a power five conference ( ie Kansas) but I think it is.
It appears that a starting job should be just visible enough to get noticed, but not so visible as to cause consternation for a few bad years at the helm. Similarly, the competition needs to be at a certain level to be considered capable but not so tough that they keep you beat down.
It is starting to appear to me that if I were a coach looking for upward mobility, I would look at a CSU or a North Dakota State as opposed to a low rung power conference cellar dweller. This might be a good stepping stone for Scott.