I believe that he is now well past CYA and now into SMP mode (save my parachute). His behavior tells me he is on the way out, knows it, and is just trying to land as softly as possible.
You’re right. He already got the word he’s out. Now he needs to blame someone else so he can find another job.
https://www.datalounge.com/thread/15696158-pretty-sure-the-target-ceo-is-gay-brian-c.-cornell