Alford was not a BCS-level basketball coach when Iowa hired him; however, he was paid a million dollars a year at Iowa to learn how to become one. The last few years Alford was at Iowa, he was a good coach. Unfortunately, after sticking his neck out for PP and getting it chopped off, the fans were never going to get behind Alford, irrespective of how well the team played. It showed by the attendance numbers those last few years when Iowa was playing well and winning games. I don't think Alford's personality was a great fit for Iowa either.
Lick wasn't a very good recruiter and also wasn't a good personality fit for Iowa.
Fran seems ready to coach at the BCS-level. He has shown he can recruit (and I would expect his recruiting to improve as Iowa improves). Further, Fran really seems in tune with the fan base.
I hold no ill will toward Alford or Lick, they just weren't good fits for Iowa. Best of luck to them in their future endeavors unless it is against Iowa.
I really like the direction of the Iowa basketball program right now under Fran and am excited about the future.
Go Hawks!