My guess is Elko left Wake for big time programs. Got exposure to good and great talent. He got accolades every where he went. He saw what it took to win at P5.
Clawson was a little guy who played at a little school and coached at same. Wake was the pinnacle, a school that straddled the line between D2 & D1. He's fb smart, hardworking, great organizer. But he's never worked at Tennessee, Clemson, and Michigan. He is now lost as to identify the problem. Much like "the forest for the trees", everyone saw Kern as an obvious option worth a look. Clawson couldn't see it from his vantage point. Either a flaw or stubornness.
Another possible factor is Elko likely gave some firm speeches to Duke alum in the NBA and challenged them to "give back" and help build the other big revenue sport at Duke. Besides the advantage here, Duke also has more grad, hence more millionaires. Look at who's starting and having an impact for Duke this year. It's enough to turn a program around....and it has.