I think that was Jeff Smith's call more than Evernham's. Jeff Smith owns the majority of that team, and wants to move up his driver Jason Leffler. Evernham wants to get out of that #7 team, and trying to put his driver in a 3rd car.
I think Evernham thought a lot more was going to be coming out of that #7 team than it did, and realizing his mistake he's trying to get out. I don't think he's going to fire Atwood yet, but he might have to if a sponsor will not sponsor Atwood's car for next year, if Evernham will try and make one available to him. Should be interesting, I don't think this story is done yet.