I surprised to see that some folks think that saying nothing but positive things is leading. It's not.
Leaders need to be able to sell the dream. Present a plan. Get buy in. Be honest with everyone (Not just sunshine and rainbows). Ensure everyone takes personal responsibility. Show they are on the right track. Progress towards the shared goal. Burke failed at all of them, except the honesty part, and folks around here are raking him over the coals for that.
Face it folks. We didn't have the talent on the field, in the coaching staff or in management. Replacing a HC mid -season, especially when his team finally showed a little something in a game is a bad idea. Taking on a job you know you are doomed to fail at out of a sense of responsibility is both dumb and somewhat heroic as is being honest to a fault.