I wouldn't put it solely on the 2 position coaches that were replaced, but if you go 8-4 or 9-3 you start higher and easier to move up to start(see Miami). You start at 25 instead of 75, it doesn't take as long to climb the ladder.

However, I'm not sure if this team comes in with the same motivation that it's shown if they come in with higher expectations. I know the team says that's what's driven a lot of the improvement and focus, but unless you're a coach or player on the team, who knows