Long and short of it is Ross wouldn't give any GM the power to fire Philbin either now or in the future, which is what pushed so many candidates away. Ross is really in love with Philbin so I guess we have final confirmation that he's a garbage HC.
Saw something that this is sort of the make or break year for everyone, and if Philbin blows, Ross will clean house. Different GMs were offered different levels of power, but none could fire Philbin this year. The GM hired today is a sort of one year band aid.
If it goes bad this year, Ross will go after a big name coach next year with a big money offer. He couldn't land Harbaugh or Fisher b/c of Ireland and money, and he won't have those in the way next time