McLane was a vocal supporter of CAB. And neither he, nor anyone else, would have given millions for a new stadium if the team was not winning big. The decision was made after the 2011 OU game. One official told another, "That pass just cost us $260 million" after RGIII threw that 34 yarder to Terrance Williams. Beating OU for the first time, winning the Heisman, having a 10 win season (& eventually 4), & going to bowl games in 2 consecutive years (& ultimately 7) were special accomplishments that no other Baylor coach in history had ever done (CGT did have 10 wins in 1980). And Briles was just beginning: two 11-win seasons (or 93% if you prefer), back2back Big 12 titles, etc. But these accomplishments were after the decision was made.
McLane Stadium truly is the House that Art Built because he made it possible. It wasn't the BOR & it wasn't McLane operating in a vacuum.
“Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!”
Psalm 119:36