There is zero evidence supporting this. Whaley put Rex on the list of candidates. Whaley interviewed Rex separately from the Pegulas and vetted him from a football standpoint.
Whaley was the Pegulas' right arm after Marrone walked. He was their golden boy advisor. And to hear the story now, we'd have to believe the guy the Pegulas gave a massive extension, effusively praised, and by all reports loved, would've been fired for having reservations about a HC candidate. That is absolutely absurd. It truly is.