[intellectronica]

To me the way it's formulated in the press release sounds a lot like what is usually said of someone on the road to a "distinguished engineering fellow" role - lots of respect, opportunity to command enough resources to do meaningful work, but no managerial or leadership responsibilities.

[kranke155]

If they don't throw him out, I'd say the only explanation is they don't want one of their best researchers working for someone else.

[crotchfire]

That is exactly the purpose of "distinguished engineering fellow" roles.