Here's the thing; there's a way to do it. However, there is a trap in jumping to a low D1 team and thinking that you'll get to your choice of Big6 jobs. You won't. State was destroyed when I arrived. You may need to move to the worst Big 6 job, rather than holding out for the one that you want first. Here are my seasons at UAB before jumping to
NC State in Season 84:
Season 83: UAB
22-9 (overall)/13-3 (conf), RPI: 83
Regular Season Conference Champion
Postseason Invitational - 2nd Round
Conference Coach of the Year
Season 82: UAB
19-12 (overall)/8-8 (conf), RPI: 92
Postseason Invitational - 1st Round
Season 81: UAB
14-15 (overall)/7-9 (conf), RPI: 88
Postseason Invitational - 1st Round
Season 80: UAB
12-16 (overall)/7-9 (conf), RPI: 151
Season 79: UAB
16-11 (overall)/6-10 (conf), RPI: 163
Five Seasons - no NT bids. In fact, here's what the season prior to UAB looked like...D3 PIT.
Season 74: St. Thomas
18-15 (overall)/9-7 (conf), RPI: 38
Postseason Invitational - Final Four
Folks will ***** like mad, because there is a trap...and I'm not saying there isn't, but there are paths to a Big 6 team.