Here’s my 2 cents. This is my conjecture piecing together tidbits I’ve heard and knowing human nature.
I think JB actually wanted Jimmy and Buddy to return and that was known internally. He simply didn’t want his sons legacy to be tarnished by a sub par season and wanted to give them a chance at redemption.
I don’t think Cole saw a benefit of returning in this circumstance and indicated he was leaving…and I that was fine with JB.
This was probably where we were up until JB leaked the idea of Jimmy applying for a waiver - which was about the time things really looked a losing season was possible, if not likely…and the natives were really getting restless.
Then, I honestly think Juli stepped in. Juli puts up a brave face, but I don’t think this season has been fun for her at all. Fans can be unbelievably mean and insensitive. I saw her plenty at road games…not so much at the dome. I don’t think she wanted any part of this happening again next year in what might have been growing public discontent. It’s not how any of them wanted this season to go, but I think she made the call. Remember, you always recruit mom….she’s the decision maker!
So now that it appears JB3 and Buddy are indeed gone, there is a mutual interest from Coach and Cole for him to return.
Cole can be more of a focus of the offense. And JB gets a piece of a puzzle so he can have a successful season next year that he desperately wants.
So that’s my take on how this has shifted.
Edit: just saw Mike Waters clarification….but I think what I said above holds true and that Swider is seriously considering a return.