I think this is probably correct except I don't believe Coach Vigen turned down the job because he insisted on coaching the playoffs.
I think in both cases of WSU last year and OSU this year it came down to salary. Both schools were offering just a bit more than $1 mil. He's looking for $2+ mil. Both schools are likely career killers for a coach that is 50yo. He wants a contract of more than $2 million of three to four years and he'd be gone playoffs or not.
He's going to get that much from someone if he doesn't wait too many more years toiling away at Montana State.
It is cute how the griz fans are here talking about how nobody wants him or that he is disastisfied at his current job.