This thread is as enlightening as the sun is bright.
Clearly, trouble has done very meaningful research through her contact(s), and vander has long been highly credible. Add the testimonials about Earley from multiple players, and the decision to hire him seems compelling.
Regarding the conspiracy, I am confident that a fair portion of TA's interview with Earley resembled a deposition, with fact finding and determining the best options, both offensive and defensive, as necessary, available to the program being of great importance.
Moreover, I believe that Earley would never have interviewed for an A&M position if he had been complicit with JS's treachery.
I am very comfortably in the "Hire Earley" camp.