From what we were told at the time, he left mainly for the difference in money, and from what i had been told he was trying to leave the year before. I think most college coaches at our level have a bigger plan, i.e Felton, Pelphry. Most of them want to build a successful program with a few winning years and then move on. I do believe that is exactly what Jesse wanted to do and he achieved that. As far as a coach i personally at the time felt coach Lee and coach Johnson did almost all of the coaching and most defiantly did all of the off court work.
Most of the guys were not surprised to see Jesse leave and i must admit most of us were pretty happy about it, i liked Jesse but he is one of those guys who can sell ice to an Eskimo. Yes he was an exceptional recruiter but as far as an X and O's guy, not great. Guess it didn't really matter though because all the fans really see is the wins and championships piling up, and i believe that's all fans want (and myself).