Despite being fired by Texas A&M in 2023, former coach Jimbo Fisher has remained a hot topic in college football, largely due to his massive buyout. Fisher’s staggering $76.8 million payout set a record for the highest in college football history, and it has become a constant reference point whenever high-profile coaches are let go.
The decision to fire Fisher came just two years after he signed a massive 10-year, $95 million contract to stay in College Station. After compiling a 45-25 record during his tenure, Fisher’s performance is often contrasted with that of current Texas A&M coach Mike Elko, who has guided the Aggies to an undefeated 9-0 season and has them on the verge of the SEC championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Could Jimbo Fisher Land at a Rival SEC Program?
During a Tuesday segment of the “CFB Insider’s” podcast, analyst John Talty connected Fisher to a prominent return, specifically mentioning the vacant Auburn Tigers job after Hugh Freeze was fired two weeks ago.
“I think Jimbo Fisher clearly really wants to get a job. He came to speak at a Birmingham quarterback club a couple of weeks ago and was very open about wanting to get back on the sideline,” Talty said. “I think it’s a part of why he’s on TV now, to try to be around the game.”
Talty continued, explaining that Fisher is already positioning himself for the next wave of coaching opportunities. “So, Fisher is already trying to get in on the next round of jobs, including the one at Auburn. I think the question with Jimbo is, is there a school of a similar calibre being interested in him and him being mutually interested? There are some questions about where that fit might fall. I think he wants to get back in the game.”
The college football coaching carousel is currently spinning with several top jobs open, as the LSU Tigers, Auburn Tigers, Penn State Nittany Lions, and Florida Gators are all searching for new head coaches.
Why Is Fisher So Eager for a Sideline Return?
During an August appearance on the “Trials to Triumph” podcast, Fisher himself voiced a strong desire to return to coaching, while also providing reasons for why his time at Texas A&M ended on a sour note.
“I’m 59, in great shape and healthy. I’ve had success everywhere we’ve ever been,” Fisher explained. “The end at Texas A&M, it’s unfortunate, but we also had the highest-ranked team they ever had there in 2020. Our quarterbacks got hurt. We played with first-team, third-team. It was hard to get the playcalling and guys around. Didn’t pan out like we needed to, but I still love it.”
Fisher’s potential landing spots are not limited to the SEC and Big Ten. According to 247Sports reporter Grant Hughes, Fisher is also keeping an eye on his former team, Florida State, as a possibility should the Seminoles decide to part ways with the beleaguered Mike Norvell.