That was the speculation, considering TJ had just come back to ISU a couple months earlier (to take Abdelmassih's spot?) when everyone knew Hoiberg had one foot out the door. But I don't know that it was reported Leath demanded a search firm be used, although CBS had reported on friction over the
process between Leath and Pollard.
A Google search about the subject does find comments from Leath, but probably because he was asked about it during the press conference for the Board of Regents in June so it was news. He did say JP would present him with candidates and he would interview them all alongside JP. Otz was definitely mentioned from the beginning as JP's preferred hire, though.