I re-read the first sentence in the article, and I think you are right.
“...his boss's chief-of-staff...”
Are they talking about Jeff Sessions’ Chief of Staff?
If so, I have some confidence that Sessions’ Chief of Staff might be OK politically - but not 100% confidence.
So his boss is Sessions. Sessions' CoS is Matthew Whitaker, who has called the Russia Investigation a "Witch Hunt" and was critical of Mueller when he investigated Trump family finances, so he might be good. From other reporting, the standard succession would see the Solicitor General, Noel Francisco, take the DAG job, and he is also reputed to be a solid conservative. Sounds like either would be far better than Rosenstein.
The guys name is Jesse Panuiccio he was put in place as associate AG earlier this year by Trump after terminating a woman that held that position!!! He is 37 years old and it is believed that Trump made this move so this person could step in when RR was let go, and the position could just be a promotion with no appointment necessary no confirmation necessary!!! The ground work in place already for draining the swamp!!! As far as Sessions is concerned if we gain seats in the senate confirmation for AG shouldn’t be a problem!!!