Here is my line of thinking. The right job is all about timing.
So, if Kennedy doesn't get the big time job he wants this year, and decides to wait till next year rolls around, I think he figures that he will have a better shot to win at Murray than he would at UL on a one year basis.
He has the best job in his league hands down. UL is arguably the best job in the Sunbelt, however, it will take some time to rebuild.