No.
People might expect 6 wins, but even if Sparano hits 9 thats still mediocre. Thats not so different then expecting us to win 1 game, then winning 4. Yes, you did better then expected, but you still sucked.
If finishing around the .500 mark is considered "exceeding expectations" for a regime going into its 4th year, then the regime is the problem.
But... but... we absolutely SUCK! How could we possibly think 9 wins is mediocre?
/sarcasm