As calculated risks go?
A substantial number of donors may have bought into the "best 3-9 team in the country" narrative, and there actually are stats to back it up.
Would a new OC, special teams refocus, and immediate portal talent get the Huskers over the hump in a season with an easier schedule? One last all-in on Frost wasn't that crazy. Especially if it got him to reduce his buyout and accept the stakes. If it works, it works. If Frost can't elevate his team in Season Five, there is not a fan, donor, pundit, potential coach or player who will fault Alberts and the Huskers for lack of patience.
Alberts most likely sent a few quiet feelers out last season, and found zero slam dunk HC candidates. You don't want to end the Scott Frost era when you only have Mike Riley 2.0 options.
The extra season and the new buyout clause creates more money to throw at this season's potential hires, and more time to court them.
And you now have some interesting interim options should the occasion arise.
I don't think Alberts was conducting an experiment or being stupid out of Husker loyalty. I think he's playing a bad hand pretty well.