But it's pretty well known Kennedy will need to step down at some point. And Buzz is a great fit for the job.

Why wouldn't Roccaforte just stick around? With Isaac Chew on staff at A&M, he would likely be the top assistant. I don't see a world in which Buzz doesn't take Jamie McNeilly with him (unless McNeilly finds a better gig) so that leaves one spot open. A spot likely filled by someone not currently at VT or A&M. If Reynolds accepts a demotion back down to the Ops role, he could stay on as well.

The whole thing is perplexing, but if Roccaforte didn't think he would be added to the new staff, then he would want to get out of town sooner rather than later.