Exactly what "ahead of the curve" actions did you want them to take? Are you assuming that they KNEW Marrone was going to opt out? I don't know that. I'm under the assumption that they DIDN'T know he was going to opt out. So if they didn't know he was going to opt out, what the heck did you expect them to do? Start interviewing candidates BEFORE he opts out, just in case?
According to reports, an extension was in place with Marrone, but yet he bounced anyway. So what do you WANT? Elaborate.
I for one, don't need the owner making an announcement saying "Everything will be alright, fans". We lost MARRONE not freaking Vince Lombardi for christ's sake.. No announcement needs to be made for that scumbag in order to make me feel better as a fan. But that's just my personal opinion.