Gase was their #1 target, and probably McDaniel second. At the moment it may be who they are hoping for but that doesn't make him there #1 target from the beginning.
Also, this seems basically like what played out last year with Chud, they waited so long that every other candidate was chosen our refused an interview. I really don't know how anyone would want that job unless they were desperate or with a clause that states if I get fired after one year I get a x amount bonus of the staff and myself(above what is left on my contract).