Yes, I did read the article.
WSU purple said "the word" was Dean, and maybe one or two others, wanted to transfer. I take "the word" to mean rumor, maybe others take it to mean fact. I heard the same rumor. You wrote that three outcomes were possible, one of those being WSU purple was a "pot-stirring troll". Another person voted for pot-stirring troll and yet another comes on to claim that no one is leaving.
But wait! The newspaper has an article that says Dean did want to leave EWU. He asked to be released from his scholarship agreement and the university declined that request. Now there will be a hearing in the next two weeks to determine whether he gets that release. My point is WSU purple's "word" was right. Dean asked for his release to transfer. He wanted to leave the program.
I hope he does not leave and find it encouraging that he is considering staying. Or at least that's what he's telling reporters. We will just have to wait to see if he stays and/or if anyone else decides to leave.
By the way, I was critical of the Spokesman-Review's coverage of the coaching change. So in fairness, I think Mr. Bergum has done a fine job this week of reporting the news surrounding this move. He reported the new coach before the day before he was announced and he uncovered the Dean story as well. Nicely done!