Well I guess UC is taking the "buyout be damned" approach. John Brannen has been let go as the head coach for UC basketball.

https://www.si.com/college/2021/04/09/cincinnati-fires-mens-basketball-coach-john-brannen

Unless they figured out a way to fire him with cause and avoid the buyout I can't imagine this won't have long-term repercussions on their standing with Fickell (who Tom Mars is now publically trying to drag into this mess).