I think I get ADJW's possible thinking with these two coaches, as there are some similarities - and differences - between them that make sense.
Both Men are from the region - White from NYC, Knowles from PA - so they both know the cultural and recruiting landscape in this part of the country; something JW likely - and strongly - prefers in his next coach.
Both Men have coached in upstate New York - White SU, Knowles Cornell. Again, primarily for recruiting purposes, knowing the region and having coached in the state likely check off important boxes for Wildhack.
Both coaches specialize in Defense. That may or may not be a preference for ADJW but I think it's worth noting. I don't think it matters what side of the ball a HC comes from bc on a well-run team, a HC is usually more of a CEO than an X's & O's play caller (of course, there are exceptions). But the most important traits in a HC are organizational skills, ability to recognize & hire good coaches, ability to recruit good players and an ability to successfully handle all that comes with being a college HC.
Both have coached at "blue bloods" with storied histories and both have been exposed to high-level, big time college football. Again, that may or may not be a preference for JW but I still think it's worth noting.
Also, both Men (potentially at least) have reasons to "stay on board" should they actually find success at SU. Knowles, bc of his age, isn't likely to want to move yet again once he's firmly planted roots in Syracuse. I'd imagine he'd likely view it as the job he hopes to retire from if he took it. White, a younger man, may be motivated to stay in Syracuse bc it's close to NYC where his mother (aka Grandma to his kids) and other family members still live. Of course, that doesn't ensure he wouldn't leave SU if offered a "better job" but being close to family might suppress any desire to leave otherwise. Potential longevity and coach retention are things I'm sure Wildhack will consider in all the candidates.
Where they differ greatly is in experience, with Knowles having head coaching experience and White having none - likely a plus for Knowles and a negative for TW - although Knowles did have a losing record at Cornell. Ultimately, JW will have to determine how much he values HC experience.
Syracuse University seems to prefer longevity in their coaches - see Boeheim, Pasqualoni. And I think that's a BIG part of the reason why Dino has gotten such a long leash - they were really, really hoping he could be the coach at SU indefinitely. Unfortunately, his incompetence and inability to coach/recruit has put a wrench in that plan. And now he has to be replaced.
I think a coach who could potentially be a long term solution is something they'd prefer in Dino's replacement. And for different reasons, both White and Knowles may offer that "stay awhile" potential.
