I've been away from Ottawa and the team for a few years, so I can't claim to have the insight I might like to have on the situation. Here's my take for what it's worth, however…
First and foremost, I think the move to Kanata would have been a logistical nightmare for any coach and general manager. It would have an effect on players' schooling and billeting, on transportation, on practice times, on game times, etc. I think this would have been more difficult to negotiate than any of us fans could have imagined it would be. Maybe Byrne is given a bit of a free pass due to that situation.
I also wonder about the organization as a whole. I know a lot of off-ice talent moved on following the early 2000s heyday (and I'm not sure some were replaced), and it also seems apparent from the outside looking in that Hunt and his high-level staff have been quite preoccupied by the CFL franchise with a lot of their expertise at best split between the two franchises and not necessarily supporting the hockey department at all times.
Lastly, you've still got Brian Kilrea and many of his hockey ops people still in place. While it appeared Byrne tried to put a stamp on the team with the size added and he's brought in a stream of new assistant coaches, you wonder how much freedom he has had and what conditions he accepted the job under. With talk of Sean Day last year, you further wonder if everyone is pulling the same way.
I wouldn't mind seeing a new face as the team moves back downtown, but I can see Byrne getting the benefit of the doubt for a number of reasons if he wants to stick around. I'll also put this question to you, is there a potential coach/GM who A) has a background of major junior success who is available and isn't a suitcase, and B) will that person work knowing he's sharing support staff with other organizations and he may have to accept working with people already in place?