The guy worked there for 15 years. He took over the AD job after BC had a gambling scandal and brought stability to the Heights. While AD, he led BC out of a sinking ship conference to a power conference and worked, rather successfully, to protect their so-called 'turf'. For all of those things, he is beloved at Boston College. He left the job because he has cancer, not for money. To think that he still does not have an open line communication within BC is naive.
Again, I didn't say he carries the most weight in this Michigan AD search committee. But I wouldn't be surprised at all if there are people at Boston College communicating with Flipper and if they are pleading with him to stay away from Bates, he'll surely pass that along.
Also, remember Rule #1 of Conference Realignment.