The conversation between him and the AD occurred at some point after the season, likely right after the regional, where it was made clear they were mutually parting ways (Hr talk for you’re fired). That was directly from their statements.
If you think all pertinent decisions were made yesterday or even the day before, you’re an idiot. They knew Pierce was out of weeks and it probably took at minimum a week to close the Schloss deal. Which is the point of my post.