It's certainly possible we're jumping the gun, but when he interviews for a job like that, the expectation is that he's willing to take it if offered.Sounds like people are jumping the gun. Do we even know if Phillips is going to accept? Where is the ACC commissioner based? As Lou mentioned, Phillips is very connected to Chicago with his family and kids. He may also see the troubles Warren is having at the Big Ten and realize that job may open up once again in the not too distant future.
The other thing is what's left for Phillips to do here that could be done in short order? With campus budgets strained, and AD likely tightening its belt due to Covid uncertainty, any Ryan Field project is probably off the table for a while. Plus they probably want to see what post Covid attendance looks like before committing $200-300 million to the stadium.
So it makes all the sense in the world for Phillips to look around. This is basically the optimal time for him to leave all things considered with where the department is...