Cutcliffe is just a damn good coach. If he wanted to coach at a more prominent football school, he most certainly could. You hit the nail on the head that Duke is just a great fit for him and he is beloved there.Duke fans love David Cutcliffe. Bowl eligible for the 5th time in 6 years and is all but guaranteed to retire there. Rumors are that he told Tennessee thanks, but no thanks on their opening.
Obviously Duke isn't a better job than Tennessee, but just a better fit for Cutcliffe in this stage of his life.
I personally have a ton of respect for him.