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There is frequently a high turnover of top positions following the re-election of a president and again after the last mid-term of a presidential term, simply because the players need to start positioning themselves for their post presidential life (be it getting rich in the private sector, hooking their wagon to another political powerhouse, or seeking elective office of their own).
But I think the electoral defeat last November and the scandals since somewhat tempered that since unless they really were pushed out because of theme (Rumsfeld) they would want to avoid the perception of a connection and so they've bunched up a bit at a later date in the administration than might be normal.
I don't know if the numbers are similar compared to Clinton and Reagan but I don't find them all that surprising. That said, I don't think that such machinations have anything to do with the resignation and timing thereof for Gonzalez. I wouldn't be surprised if we learn the decision was made months ago and held until a relatively quiet period (and August is always a quiet period) so that they could at least pretend it had nothing to do with the senate testimonies.
I do find the idea that this is timed to do a recess appointment (which wouldn't require any congressional approval) very interesting but really do hope not.
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