I've read that COS is one of, if not, the toughest job in the president's cabinet, so I wouldn't be surprised if this could be true - Rahm's Replacement: Just a 'Seat Warmer'?
[T]here's an intriguing wrinkle in the race for Mr. Emanuel's seat: talk that he really only wants to serve as chief of staff for two years, and wants a mere seat-warmer who would give the job back when Rahm so requests.
Mr. Emanuel's spokeswoman terms that talk "false and ridiculous." But at least one source, who claims to have discussed the possibility with Rahmbo personally, says he really was reluctant to give up the seat and really would like to keep his options open to reclaim it down the road.
If true, who would be next in line for COS? Tom Daschle?
Also, would Rahm retain his 3rd (or was it 4th?)-in-line leadership place for to be Speaker of the House?