This is an NFL example but nevertheless, new Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz ( think that's his name) came in there and went through some renovations with the team's practice facilities in an attempt to change the culture of losing.
Now, I know this and traditions are different but the concept of aesthetically changing things would have worked better.
I don't know or don't remember Jones changing things regarding offices, weight rooms or anything like that. But if he had and didn't, that's where it could have started rather than worrying about what kind of horse we have to represent us. BTW, that horse is pretty tough. I've heard enough stories of handlers blowing out knees when running him across the field.
Keep this in mind, when Mack Brown came to Texas, he completely endeared himself to Darryl Royal and embraced the Texas traditions. Oh, and he could recruit. They got out of the doldrums pretty quickly. His predecessor John Mackovic blew everything off, scoffed at Royal and was never accepted by the Texas fans. He failed.
When Bob Stoops came to OU, he completely endeared himself to Barry Switzer and embraced the OU traditions. They've been pretty good. His predecessor John Blake was just a joke and was never accepted by the OU fans. He failed.
When you mess with the fabric of the school, you're just going down the wrong road IMO.