Jimbo Fisher isn't done coaching. The former head coach at Florida State Seminoles and Texas A&M Aggies, whose resume includes a national championship and five top-10 final rankings, says his competitive fire still burns as he eyes another opportunity on the sidelines.
For months, Fisher has quietly prepared for his next move. He's been watching film, organizing a potential staff, mapping out a recruiting plan, according to Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger. His message is clear at this point in his career. “I live to coach,” he says. “I love to do what I did.”
At 60, Fisher remains deeply connected to the game. He spends his time studying the sport’s latest trends, working as an analyst for the ACC Network while staying in close contact with former players and assistants. “I never got into coaching for money,” he told Dellenger. “Well, I’m not going to get out of it because I’ve got money.”
Fisher’s current position is due to a top buyout of $77 million from Texas A&M two years ago. Yet, he doesn’t view that as a retirement check. Instead, he sees it as a bridge until the right opportunity presents itself.
Timing and speculation
The timing of Fisher’s willingness to jump back in overlaps with growing speculation in Tallahassee about the future of Florida State’s current head coach Mike Norvell. After starting 3-0, the Noles have racked up four straight losses in ACC play. Fisher’s name has begun to surface as a possible candidate if the Seminoles elect to make a change at the end of they year.
But would he be willing to step back onto the sidelines at Florida State? A place he once held high after taking over for Bobby Bowden in 2010 before leaving for Texas A&M eight years later.
One huge factor for Fisher is his familiarity with the region. The deep history with the Florida State program might be key to revamping the image in the new era of college football. He had a 83-23 record during his tenure in Tallahassee.
Why Fisher believes he still fits
Fisher brings with him a rare combination of success and being able to recruit at a high level. This is the blueprint Bowden brought to FSU in the 70s and instilled in Fisher two decades later.
Ultimately, though, Fisher's motivation remains the same as it was during his rise through the ranks. He's a players coach at heart and want to keep that fire going.
The challenge ahead
Success in the past does not guarantee a prosperous future. With a record-setting coaching carousel expected at the end of the college football season, Fisher's name is expected to come up often. He's been out long enough, but not too long to where the game has passed him by. He still must convince administrators he’s the right fit.
“When you’re away from something, it makes you reflect,” Fisher said. “I’m back to watching film and have those feelings. I miss the players and those relationships. I miss practice. I miss the grind."
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