When a D1 coach is fired, it is usually because the program is headed in the wrong direction - assuming it was not an ethical violation by the coach. Therefore, when the new coach comes in, they are there to "turn the ship around", not maintain status quo. When a new D1 football coach is hired, there is a pretty good chance 10-15 players will not be back next season and no one thinks twice about it.
There is no NCAA restrictions on transfers in softball, so if the players do not like the new coach, pick up the phone, get online, and find another team.....