Head Coaching candidates off the top of my head. I'll post more when I think of them.
Gregg Brandon - Colorado School of Mines HC
John Wristen - CSU Pueblo HC
Kasey Dunn - Okie State WR Coach
Ernest is the lowest paid head coach in the conference. His buyout is low. If I remember right it would only be around $60k but I need to look that up. However, we would need to pony up for even a Division II coach or assistant to want to come. On top of that, everyone around is building and expanding their facilities. UNC needs to show that they are invested to anyone who takes over.
The Big Sky is a bit of an overloaded conference with western state flagship institutions with ample funds and others in somewhat major metro areas. There is a lot to look into in regards to the future of the program. The university alone cannot carry this burden. Alumni will need to step up.