We need to decide what the actual management set up at the club is. If we are really running a DOF/coach model then players are just as, if not more important, than the man taking the coaching. With the parachute money coming in, and the inevitable sale of Pereira on the way we should already be looking to cherry pick the best players from the Champ and even League One clubs, although they will of course be waiting for a call from a new PL team. The suitability of any incoming coach should then be based on how well they will be able to work with the players in the squad/on the shopping list rather than based on budget for players that they can then spend.
Post Meggo, the club was at its healthiest when we properly worked this system (lets not get into the "Dowling is no Ashworth" conversation) and i for one would like to move back to that model working properly. The issue we had last summer was that the transfer strategy seemed to be a complete mess with owner/DOF/recruitment and manger all pulling in different directions so we ended up with an unbalanced and unready squad.
But the DOF is still there because the blame was spread and that shouldn't be the case. If recruitment is down to the recruitment manager/DOF and we end up with a squad not fit for purpose then the DOF needs to go. If it is apparent that the coach cannot get the best out of the players at his disposal then its the coach that should go. Clear lines. It's not who is the best manager, but who is the best fit for the system we are operating.
For example, from what i gather Wilder pretty much ruled the roost at Sheff Utd and although he may be a very good manager (lets pretend last season never happened all round) will he be a fit? If the club really are looking at Wilder then i can only presume that we are moving back to the old school manager role and if that is the case do we even need a DOF?
Lampard worked well with a limited budget (for the Prem) and bringing through youngsters so would he actually be happier coaching? I can't think for a minute why he would want to come here but it might be a better fit if we are to continue with Dowling as the man in charge.
In my experience it doesn't matter what the type of business/team is but success is always based on clear strategies and lines of responsibility. Whenever i have been involved in organizations where there is uncertainty it invariably goes wrong at some point regardless of the talent involved.