It's not that unusual. Whenver there's a regime change in the unreal
(collegiate sports) and real world (Corporate America), there's usually
a purge of sorts that follows. Some companies are worse than others. Some are
downright ruthless (where's Ruth) especially in mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
Scorched Earth.

Happens all the time in the Corporate world.
Loyalty to employees went out the window a long time ago.
There are very few, if any, paternalistic employers these days.
Those remaining are usually privately held (like SAS).

In the Oil and Gas Producing Sector, during hard times, they'd layoff all their experienced
Geophysicists, Petroleum Geologists, Petroleum Engineers, Landmen (PLM's) and Petroleum Geologists.
When they good times return, they can't find qualified people with the right background and experience.
Universities cut back on programs for lack of interest and don't turn out qualified folks witht the
right background so they have to search outside those disciplines.

Two (2) courses they don't teach in any university.....
1) Corporate Politics 101 et.seq. or
2) Common Sense 101

Experience is a cruel teacher.