Link that quote. IMO, one of the big reasons McCarney had to resign is because our recruiting for football was completely in the tank. UNI was beating us for recruits. We literally had hardly anyone showing any interest in us at all. Things were bleak.
I can't find the exact quote. However, I know for a fact I heard him say it on the radio. However, here are some quotes regarding the change:
"Our football program has to be healthy for us to have any chance of being successful in the Big 12," Pollard said at the news conference. "It's become clear to Dan and me that the momentum has stalled ... and more and more Cyclone fans are becoming divided."
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/big12/2006-11-08-mccarney-resignation_x.htm
Pollard has embarked on a $135 million fundraiser to renovate antiquated Hilton Coliseum and Jack Trice Stadium. He acknowledged that the football team's recent struggles have made it tougher to raise money for that project, which was approved by the school's Board of Regents in June.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/08/AR2006110802028_2.html
Clearly fundraising/ticket sales are what drove it unless those articles are incorrect. Again, I know I've heard Pollard voice his concern about retaining Dan/selling season tickets, but I can't link a radio interview from 9 years ago.