From boots up, Fisher fits A&M perfectly
COLLEGE STATION — Moments after saying he chews tobacco, shoots his guns and uses his fishing poles, Jimbo Fisher laughed.
“Maybe I shouldn’t be admitting that,” he joked.
In actuality, Fisher has nothing to worry about. His down-to-earth, country boy personality won’t ruffle feathers in his new home.
In College Station, where he was welcomed with a hearty “howdy” everywhere he went over the last two days, he will fit right in.
Texas A&M University and Fisher, who was officially introduced as the Aggies’ new football coach on Monday morning, are a match made in heaven.
After a short courtship that started as Kevin Sumlin was on his way out, Fisher and the Aggies entered into a long-term relationship. The Aggies expect a lot from their new coach — so much, in fact, that they offered him a hefty contract of $75 million over 10 years, making him the second-highestpaid coach in the country behind SEC rival Nick Saban of Alabama.
Ultimate goal
When that kind of money is on the table, the pressure to win is obviously on. Fisher didn’t seem too worried about it, though. In fact, he relishes it.
“My expectations are bigger than anyone’s,” he said while several Aggies filled a foyer in the Hall of Champions. “I can promise you that.”
When I asked if he thought he had to win a national championship, he said, “I don’t know if I have to, but that’s the goal.”
For 10 years and $75 million, he does have to win one, or at least play for a couple. His success at A&M will be measured in wins and in championships. His failures will be counted with every loss.
For now, though, Fisher is doing all the right things to satisfy his new employer and fan base. There aren’t many bells and whistles with him. He says what he means. He is friendly and unassuming. He has a very approachable manner that will suit him well in his new environment.
On Monday, he changed into a slightly too big maroon jacket, prompting “whoops” from the crowd.
He proudly exclaimed, “I’m a boot guy!” after he was presented with a pair of gaudy, embellished A&M cowboy boots.
He shook hands, smiled wide and said all the right things.
His focus is not just on winning, he said, but developing young men the university can be proud of. He believes in discipline and effort. He can’t wait to get on the road and recruit.
Fisher was laser-focused on the program and on representing A&M. It’s precisely what regents, donors and higher-ups want from their coach.
And it all seemed genuine. Fisher believes everything he is saying. It’s not a line or a public relations move with him.
Of course, it’s all easier said than done.
Blemishes on record
Fisher hasn’t always developed great human beings — even though he likely tried. His best player at Florida State — 2013 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jameis Winston — was involved in a sexual assault case in 2012 (settled a civil suit in 2016) and was cited for theft in 2014.
Hopefully, Fisher can avoid any similar headaches with his players at Texas A&M.
And as much as he has won — 83-23 and a 2013 national title as coach at Florida State — he is coming off a 5-6 record this year. (He didn’t coach the Seminoles against Louisiana-Monroe this past Saturday).
Fisher isn’t one to live in the past, though. He prefers to live in the vision, he said.
He and the Texas A&M administration are on the same page when it comes to their goals for the program. That’s where Fisher plans to stay locked in.
“If you aren’t competitive, if you don’t want to win, you shouldn’t be in this business,” he said. “I expect this to be an elite team and an elite program.”
After making the rounds at the university on Monday, he intended to get on the road to recruit by Tuesday. He has a lot of catching up to do and knows it.
But he’s thrilled to take on the challenge. When athletic director Scott Woodward called him about the opportunity to coach at A&M, Fisher said, it was a “no-brainer.”
He had no intention of ever leaving Florida State, but the resources, goals and vision that A&M presented him were too good to pass up.
It didn’t take much time at all for the Aggies to get their man.
And on Monday, among the cowboys boots, the southern drawl, the laughing about chewing tobacco and fishing, and the focus on improving the football team, it was clear Fisher also found the perfect match.