He wasn't well-liked-- he had an arrogant way. That might be the reason ro it could be lots of other reasons. GMs tend to move around the league, but if you manage to get fired, getting rehired is not that easy. I wouldn't give the rumor/innuendo any credibility, becasue of how long it took him to get back. He might have been offered positions at franchises that didn't interest him etc. After working for the Red Sox, most other jobs are a big step down.