You introduced 'low level', and GP said 'contractor', maybe the fees were enormous ('I turned around XYZ Corp as CEO, and I can come in temporarily and do it for you too').

(Also note that what organisations term a 'project' can vary a hell of a lot.)

1. His kid was finishing high school and didn't want to move out of a small metro with limited jobs.

2. Company health insurance + family member with chronic disease.

3. He was personal friends with the VP which made his firing potentially career ending for the new manager.

There are people you meet in your career that are a privilege to work with like this guy.