I think you are short changing Coach Ech's accomplishments. Admittedly, my POV is biased, but I learned a lot from Coach Ech and am greatful to the opportunities he gave me at Zionsville.
Look at Coach Ech's seasons game by game. Each year we accomplished one more thing. We beat multiple teams for the first time under Ech's guidance. This year we finished 3rd in the conference behind Avon and Brownsburg. As Coach Nowlin said, consistent performance in our sectionals, but our admitted weakness was getting over the Regional hump. Also the strength gains were a huge accomplishment. No disrespect to any previous coaches before, but the strength differences to when Ech came in and where they are now are drastic. You watch us on film and we were getting pushed around, even our strongest kids. Even with undersized DL we were able to hold our own much better than before.
This is a great hire for Pike, and a great opportunity for Ech. I think both the school and he won in this hire! I wish him the best of luck this season.