I think it's almost a knee jerk reaction to say "new coaching staffs will struggle their first year". And statistically you would be right about 50% of the time. But you would also be wrong almost 50% of the time, as nearly as many improve their team in the first year. So, I think it happens more than what people think. I'm not saying improvement in the win/loss column in Mel's first year is a sure thing. But neither is regression a sure thing. Looking at the data of first year coaching staffs, it's almost a coin toss. National media types are saying 3 to 4 wins this year is all we can hope for. I think (hope) we can do better, and you already stated some reasons why. How much better, I don't know. All I allow myself to hope for is a 6-6 record and a bowl game.
Regardless of what we may think of the staffs resume, it's obvious that Tucker has implemented a much more tough minded, and detail oriented approach in his staff and philosophy. How this pays off in his first year is anyone's guess. It almost assuredly will pay off in years 2 and 3.