I suspect it has to do with a combination of things - closer (less/easier travel) to fertile recruiting territory, easier recruiting sell, perceived greater opportunity for advancement (specifically, easier to create a strong record within the conference that might help with a next move), financial aspects. As a state employee, possibly some significantly better fringe benefits. And don't discount the personal living environment as Williamsburg is close to Newport News/Hampton Roads which has become a popular place to live especially if you like being on the water. Maybe Chris Mooney has convinced him of the appeal of the setting. Probably also some other reasons none of us will know.

I like the area to visit (family member graduated from CWM); although I would find the heavily colonial-focused atmosphere repetitive year-round, it might be ideal for others.