My optimism on Horny is based off a combination of his high-basketball IQ, his understanding of Jazz basketball as well as the fact he spent a formidable portion of his career elsewhere (nice blend of Sloan and Cotton Fitzsimmons' philosophy), his personable nature (all the Jazz players liked working with him as shooting coach), and the fact that he's reverred by Jazz fans everywhere - young players are more apt to listen to him than joe-schmo.
Also no bigger Gordon Chiesa fan than myself, seems somewhat realistic since Corbin played for Gordy as well as coached with him during his first season in Utah. If the Jazz can't get Gordy this season, I'd look into getting someone like Kenny Natt for the remainder of the season, because the thing that worries me the most is the lack of experience on this staff - and should Utah make the postseason, I think that's something that could severely hinder them in the playoffs. I understand Ty doesn't want to have an abrupt shakeup bringing in an outsider, but it would be nice to have someone with Natt's experience on the bench.