I would be surprised if a hire didn't come from within the program, or at least from within the county, just based on the school's track record and how quiet they are keeping things.
I hate to see Carroll go, though. He was probably the best coach in terms of consistency that Marion has had since the Bill Earp/ Moe Weaver days of the 60s and 70s, with his only real competition being Steve Wright (good company to have). Even in down years, you knew you were going to have your hands full when Marion came to town. But I don't fault him at all; virtually any move would be a more ideal situation than working in Smyth County and dealing with the extracurriculars that have been tacked onto the program the past couple of years. If there's one thing that's for certain, Person gained a quality coach and all around good guy, and I hope he can turn their fortunes around.