Akron as a whole is hemorrhaging money so dumping a coach, even with a relatively modest buyout of $600,000, is bound to justifiably upset a lot of people.
On a related note, Fitch just downgraded Akron's bonds. The analysis behind the decision is harsh but true:
"The downgrade to 'A' is driven by larger than expected enrollment losses in fall 2021 totaling 9% of headcount and 11% of full-time equivalents (FTE), as well as expected reserve drawdowns in fiscal 2022. Continued enrollment losses, in context of challenging regional population and economic trends, will further pressure the university's revenues and will constrain financial performance. UA has managed expenses well through a period of steadily declining enrollment, but its relatively high debt burden and the increasing difficulty of further cost cuts will limit budget flexibility."
https://www.fitchratings.com/research/us-public-finance/f...