Final answer:
The situation with Nick's move to a new university and subsequent poor season exemplifies the contingency theory of leadership, indicating that leadership effectiveness is dependent on the match between a leader's style and the specific situation. So the correct option is c.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scenario described is an example of contingency theory. This theory suggests that the effectiveness of a leader is contingent upon how well their leadership style matches the current situation. In Nick's case, his previous leadership worked well within the context of his former team, but when he moved to a new university, the same style did not fit the new environment, leading to a poor season. The realization by the university officials that Nick's leadership style was not universally effective is a practical illustration of contingency theory. This situation demonstrates that different leadership styles may be required in different contexts or with different teams to achieve success.