Looking at the Misssissippi team in IBA, but my agent says it's a step backwards.  I thought id would be a step up from (frustrating as hell) Ohio U team. SEC vs. MAC.  A good team in a low conference is better than a bad team in a big conference?

Don't worry about the "advice" column. It's just telling you how likely you are to get the job. If your goal is to compete for titles, move up to the bigger conference.

one of the toughest things in HD to me (but I'm no world beater...) is the bottom half schools in the BCS conferences. Hard to get over that hump where you can compete with the big boys for recruits, but you have to play 6-12 games (or more depending on the conference) against them every season. You'll get BCS postseason money, but so do they. It lets you get a leg up on the mid majors for recruits, but only the elite mid-majors can compete on the floor against the top BCS teams that you will face every other game...

as noted, the advice column is ONLY about your shot at the job

you need to look at the conference you are considering.  Also look at the other schools geographically close to the school - will you have a shot - will you soon have a shot at keeping the reasonably strong local kids.

and do you like the conference and school - I have for example never coached Duke or UNC.  Wont.  

If you apply for the job you'll still get it. Just your rep will take a step back.

loyalty not rep