Let's say you are a coach who is in a position (perhaps the MAC) where you can recruit good talent but overall can't recruit the best talent. Your success depends on factors like excelling as a coach and getting the most out of your players. Under these circumstances, would you rather be a basketball coach or a football coach?
B-ball. Too many factors with sustaining a winning program in football(injuries, etc..).
In B-ball two or three solid D-1 players who are well coached for 3-4 years can be very successful (i.e., Kent). Since they may not be the best, they most likely won't jump to the next level before using up all their eligibility. The only draw back to this scenario would be depth (foul trouble or injuries) against schools that DO get most of the best talent.
Football coach. The possibilities seem endless.