wifeisafurd said:
we don't really know the process. Best we have is Bear Greg's article.
More often than not, most AD's don't discuss their process or other candidates, and what you hear is rumors.
What I was told was not a rumor. However, my conclusion that Montgomery did not drive the decision but when asked, said "great" things about Madsen, sure that is just my speculation, but it is not rumor unless others spread it as fact. I am convinced it was 100% Knowlton's decision, though influenced by VERY positive (especially from Knowlton's POV) statements about Madsen as a completely guileless person and good coach. However, that is very different than saying Madsen is "the best person for the Cal job" and just as importantly, telling Madsen the Cal job is the best job for Madsen. Because Monty is an advisor to both.
I think this article is the basic idea:
https://www.si.com/college/cal/.amp/basketball/who-is-mark-madsenMonty thinks Madsen is a very "unique" individual (who is VERY different than himself, Madsen is relentlessly positive, Monty is the opposite) who can be successful if Cal changes and if Cal supports him, then he "can take it from there." I don't think he thinks Madsen can drive that change. Others might have been better for that. I think he is actually a little worried, he is tempering expectations and he is urging us to support him.