Does that mean I'd be happy with a 4-8 season? Definitely not. But I don't think that gets him fired.
I think it results in large staff changes and a very very hot seat, but I think the 'just went into the Big 12' excuse is enough to get him another year. People will definitely point out (and you see it here) that Whittingham went 8-5, 5-7, 5-7 in his first three years and they were smart not to fire him.
This isn't me arguing what should happen, but what I think will happen