Texas A&M has parted ways with head football coach Jimbo Fisher, a decision fueled by disappointing performance in the current season. The university’s decision was announced on Sunday, following a meeting of school officials held on Thursday to assess Fisher’s future with the football program. The move comes amidst a lackluster 6-4 season for the Aggies, prompting the school to make a change in leadership despite Fisher having eight years left on his contract.
Fisher, 58, had signed a lucrative 10-year, $75 million contract with Texas A&M in 2017, leaving behind a successful tenure at Florida State, where he secured a national championship. His contract was extended in 2021, now totaling 10 years and $95 million through the 2031 season. Despite the substantial investment, the decision to part ways with Fisher was deemed necessary for Texas A&M football to achieve its full potential, according to Ross Bjork, the athletics director.
The coach’s tenure with the Aggies reached its peak in 2020, when the team posted a commendable 9-1 record and secured victory in the Orange Bowl. However, the program has since experienced a downturn, with an 8-4 record in 2021 and a disappointing 5-7 performance last season. The 2023 season brought additional challenges, including losses to Miami (Fla.), Alabama, Tennessee, and Ole Miss.
From @TheAthletic: Jimbo Fisher’s buyout is triple the second-highest in college football history. Now that Texas A&M has fired him, this is how the school will go about paying the rest of Fisher’s lucrative contract. https://t.co/mkG2PwvA8M pic.twitter.com/lTwpjVicPX
— The New York Times (@nytimes) November 13, 2023
Fisher’s financial compensation is noteworthy, with a buyout upward of $75 million, translating to approximately $2.6 million per win during his six-year tenure as the head coach. Despite the financial implications, the decision was driven by the team’s struggles, particularly with a concerning record of 10 losses in the last 15 games against Power 5 opponents.
Fisher concludes his six-year run with Texas A&M, having accumulated a 45-25 record. While the university expressed appreciation for Fisher’s time and contributions, the focus now shifts to the search for a new head coach who can steer the football program towards a more promising trajectory.
