I'm going to reply to myself to just add this.Probably was strange for the ISU staff but just as strange for his dad. He wants him to play for him but also wants what is best for his son. Exactly what that is can be tough to see when you are so close. Tough position to be in.
That dilemma was what McDermott was in when his son was being recruited. Some people point to him not recruiting his son as evidence he didn't know what he was doing. I'm sure he wanted Doug to play for him but he didn't recruit him to Iowa State because he could clearly see the writing on the wall - one way or another he wasn't going to be coaching at ISU for much longer. He did what was best for Doug and didn't recruit him.