Dr. K said he was happy with John and very surprised by the whole situation. His version of events from his own mouth:

-Dr K said he never gave John any indication that he should be looking for a new job.
-John contacted him and said AU had made an offer.
-Dr K asked him what he was going to do and added that this was surprising news.
-Two days go by and John told Dr K that he still hadn't made a decision.
-Dr K told John that we were going to start our AD search and move on if John cant make up his mind.
-Dr K's words were something to the effect "We cant hold the university hostage waiting on your decision, I owe it to the university to begin our own AD search."
-With that Cohen resigns.