I agree. To your first point. Both Wildhack and Autry said on the radio they have talked multiple times recently about "big picture".Reading between the lines:
First, JW has already informed Red he will be dismissed at the end of the year. The school just decided to keep it quiet.
Second, I think they most likely have Hodgson lined up to replace Red.
Your boss does not call you to say good job buddy, see you next year when you've just went 1-5 and lost to the worst team in the league.
SU and JW are as Corporate as it gets and this is big business. JW was calling to put him on PIP which is the formal conversation to say your job is at risk and you will be let go shortly due to lack of performance. For those not working in larger companies this is very much how it works everywhere now.