There is a certain reality in big-time sports. Just ask Sage Rosenfels or Tarvaris Jackson of the Minnesota Vikings.
Joel Maturi has a 6-9 month window to either extend Brewster's contract, or to take the football program in another direction.
Any athletic director worth his salt has a "list" in the top drawer of his desk.
Depending on how this season goes, Maturi will have a decision to make.
The bottom line is if Maturi can upgrade his head football coaching position at year end (i.e. grab a Tony Dungy, if available...or a Phil Fulmer type guy), then he has to at least take a look--clandestinely, of course-- especially if the Gophers are 5-7, or worse, and home for the holidays.
AD Martin over in Ann Arbor may have a similar decision to make, as might Barry Alvarez in Madison?? It will be an interesting season.
P.S. It is very possible that Brewster's successor(s) will look back at the non-conference scheduling that was put together way back in 2009, and decide that someone was off his rocker.