Not surprising in the least.
It's an easier sideways move after retiring, one it gives you an income and remain connected to the sport without too much pressure with a familiarity of people around you. Expectations would not have been high for what is basically a trainee. He's had that first year to transition and more time to think about what he wants to do more specifically and where geographically too.
Leading up to making the decision to retire must be very difficult to know what you're going to do as you are still playing and maybe not even 100% sure you're definitely going to pack it in even a couple of months from end of season. I hope he makes a go of it wherever he ends up, if he's as dedicated to it as he was on the field he'll be an attribute.