I wonder why he would request the release now. I doubt he will have much success looking while other teams are in season and the other reasons you list he can accomplish without trying to get the release at this point. I know of one player who tried it the way you propose and it did not work out well at all at least from the players viewpoint. I think there is a fair amount to be lost by seeking the release now and not much to be gained. If he is on scholarship, I recommend he fulfill his end of that committment, sticks it out to the end of the season and then seek the release. I do not think the current coach will make the grass greener by having a player on the roster who he knows is looking elsewhere, even to the point of seeking the release during the season. I am not sure I could really disagree with the coach too much under these circumstances.