I've never talked to Kirby, but I'm friends with Joe Kines from all the way back to grade school, He was the Father of Susan who was a classmate of mine.
Joe still lives in Tuscaloosa and He has the highest opinion of Kirby as both a person and coach.
There is no doubt whatsoever KS has been running this through his head for many years. Of course he couldn't plan who he would hire till recently because coaching situations are constantly changing.