I remember what Strollo said when he hired Barnes. He maintains a list of potential candidates SHOULD he need to replace the head coach for whatever reason. Obviously Jackson was on Strollo's list as soon as Akron refused to renew her contract, despite her relative success in Zippy land.
This is an intelligent method for hiring a head coach, especially in today's world of the transfer portal. There is simply no time for a national search from scratch. And should Calhoun leave, Strollo better have his replacement lined up and ready to sign.