My new prediction if anything doesn't happen by end of next week.
We end up with a QB coach/passing game coordinator like LSU did with Joe Brady in 2019. He props Gattis up for a year like they did at Michigan and then Gattis can move on next year after a more positive season and we already have our OC for when he leaves.
Ponce fits the bill perfectly so it could literally happen without changing the staff at all. Just behind closed doors that Ponce is given game planning/play calling duties and Gattis is asked to take a step back.
It's a win for all parties except for us, the fans. Gattis saves face and doesn't have to take a demotion. Ponce gets more influence/power and a chance to prove himself for the OC job he really wants. Mario doesn't have to look bad for ruining the career of a Broyles award winner in one year and he gets to keep his friend on staff. Mario is also stubborn and doesn't have to admit he was "wrong" for at least another year.
Also Mario/Gattis set the bar so low on offense that Ponce taking over would be a big enough improvement to point to "progress".
Ponce is an upgrade over Gattis. Not significantly but definitely enough to make improvements and major statistical progress over '22.
I hate it but if you're Mario and you can't get a significant obvious upgrade at OC over Gattis/Ponce, then he has to go with this plan. Unfortunately for us, it just makes too much sense.