Yeah, it might be that Heyman really has new info, and CC is more interested in managing than he was before.
I don't buy it, but it's certainly possible.
Whatever the case, if CC is gone next year for one reason or another, the next hire comes with massive stakes. The team will still be in a position to compete, and there will be a lot of youth on the roster. A continuity hire seems the the best bet, so Murphy is logical. That said, trend is definitely toward younger managers. I don't think Jim Henderson is high enough up that he'd be the choice, but maybe someone in that mold?