I agree with you 100% that to build up something from nothing is a great accomplishment and it is a great feat that cannot be measured. No one can take that away from you.
But I think at a certain point, a HC will need to have all the resources that he/she can get. I am all for Strong to build a dynasty at Louisville but at the same time, I don't believe that Louisville will be able to offer the resources that Strong needs to build a dynasty like a Bear Bryant, Knute Rockne, or John McKay. At this point, it is not about how big the paycheck is anymore but do you have the tools and means to get you where you want to be and realize your vision/grand scheme.
If you disagree, I can respect that, but Louisville is nowhere near offering the type of resources that USC can offer to Strong for him to build a dynasty.
Yes, so Strong is the highest paid coach per your article. But let's get back to your point: Success is not measured by money. Again, I agree 100%. In life, it is all about putting yourself in the best position to succeed. If your goal is to be a chef and own a Michelin starred restaurant in NYC, flipping burgers at Mickey D's won't cut it, but get an apprentice job at Per Se or Roubuchon will certainly bump up your odds tremendously.
If Strong's aspiration is to build a dynasty out in Louisville and only at Louisville, my hat's off to him and I wish him best of luck.
But if his aspiration is to build a dynasty and win NC's and set up himself up in the best situation possible to achieve that, then when schools like USC and Texas come knocking, he'd better give it some serious consideration.
**I just realized I actually post more in this football thread than the scuba threads on this forum. LOL.