For a S/C coach, job knowledge and experience are obvious prerequisites but the buy-in of the student athlete is the key to success IMHO.
It seems as if Philipp comes with high marks for his ability to relate to the players and that should work wonders.
Given the situation - Riley truly has to coach up the entire program, from the secretaries to the players and each person in between, to get everyone united on one path with the same goals in mind. Tall task but thus far he seems uniquely qualified to do so.
In my book, a hire like Philipp is a good (and needed) step in that direction.