James did a good job at Tech when they were in the SWC. Once they joined the Big 12, he failed miserably.
He has a sordid past with the NCAA, if I remember correctly. Seems like he was partially involved at Kentucky with Sutton, but maybe I'm wrong. He kept the team together at OSU after Eddie had to retire from the DUI, and he did a lot of the coaching when Sean was out of control. They were losing, so I don't think that's a big endorsement for James though.
I would prefer him over Steve Robinson any day of the week and twice on Sunday.