That sounds good from this side, but if I was in their shoes, I wouldn't say a word until I was sure I wasn't returning. If you say something and then come back, the coaches are possibly going to forever question your commitment. Even if it isn't conscious, it will be in the back of their minds and may affect their decisions about your opportunities and playing time for the rest of your career.
Valid point. I guess I just look at Football as the ultimate TEAM sport. It is a grind no doubt, especially when the wins are far and few between. However, if I knew my teammates were counting on me to be there next year and I hadn't been honest with my coaches, then shame on me. I would be letting my teammates down and being selfish to some extent (that's what my ex Marine coach would have told me).
I get what you are saying, I'm just suggesting that if I am those guys last summer and I know I am going to graduate before the next season starts, I at least should be honest with myself and my coaches. They are the ones who gave me a free education, and to be up front about at least looking for a JUCO to take my spot and set a timeline of the end of the year to let the coaches know so they are not caught off guard.
He may not have realized his feelings until recently, but if I am him, I would feel some level of accountability to my teammates and my program. I would also not want to go out on a losing note to end my career. Not saying that is how he should look at it, but I guess it's just a different era now. I'm Old School, I admit it.