Your post assumes that the "he knew" crowd thinks/thought he didn't arrange it in the first place.
Jeff hired Oronde to bring in those players. He knew from the get-go, is what I am saying. He didn't need to stumble across the transfer documents, phone messages, or overhear Oronde in the bathroom on the cell phone, lol.
His staff got caught doing what Jeff hired him to do, in my opinion.
In the world of major collegiate athletics, I refuse to believe that a coach was hired to do a specific thing and the head coach has no idea how he was accomplishing it.
This is the scenario you are painting:
Jeff Capel: Ok, lets try to lock up Willie and Tiny.
Oronde: Will do, coach!
*hours go by*
Jeff Capel: How was the visit?
Oronde: They committed!
Jeff Capel: Really? What did you say to convince them?
Oronde: Oh, I just sold them on the education.
Jeff Capel: Sounds stupendous to me! High five!
Oronde: It's what I do.
Jeff Capel: Lets have a great season!
Oronde: Yes! BOOMER SOONER!