A transfer this close to a release date is unusual but it does happen, and the reason behind it tells you almost everything about whether it is good news or bad.
The more positive explanation is a step-down transfer. As an inmate approaches release, some DOC systems move them to a facility that is better positioned to facilitate reentry, whether that is closer to their home community, better equipped with transition programming, or structured specifically for inmates in the final phase of their sentence. South Mississippi Correctional Institution handles various population types and a transfer there could reflect exactly that kind of preparation for release.
The less welcome explanation is that something happened at Jefferson Franklin that required the move. An incident, a conflict with another inmate or staff member, a disciplinary situation, or a security concern can all trigger a transfer regardless of how little time remains on the sentence. Facilities do not pause transfers because someone is short.
Two months is genuinely short time in the grand scheme of a sentence, and whatever the reason for the move the most important thing right now is that he keeps his record completely clean through the transfer and the final stretch. A disciplinary issue this close to the door can affect release date calculations and in some cases trigger additional review. This is not the time for anything that draws attention.
The fastest way to get clarity on why the transfer happened is to call SMCI directly and ask to speak with his new counselor once he is processed in. They can give you a status update and confirm the release date remains intact.