Why Jimbo Fisher means business
FILE - In this July 16, 2018, file photo, Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher speaks at Southeastern Conference Media Days, in Atlanta. The arrival of an early signing period last year enticed the vast majority of last year’s top seniors to finalize their college plans in late December rather than waiting until February. Coaches and recruiting analysts expect that pattern to continue for the foreseeable future - and they’ve planned accordingly. “The way you go about your business has totally changed,” Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher said.(AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)
His lucrative contract and expensive buyout was unprecedented among coaching hires in today’s game, but the 53-year old is beginning to show Aggie Nation why he’s worth every penny.
Texas A&M has a ton of momentum heading into its’ bowl game after closing out the regular season on a three-game win streak and securing arguably the best recruiting class in school history. It’s only Fisher’s first season with the Aggies, but they have a chance to win nine games for the first time since 2013.
Fisher knows in order to compete with Alabama he has to continue recruiting at an elite level and be the No. 1 school in the state of Texas. Thanks to the success of Johnny Manziel earlier this decade, Texas A&M was able to capitalize and the program’s budget increased significantly. Kyle Field underwent renovations and the stadium became the largest in the almighty SEC.
It’s no surprise that Texas A&M has deep enough pockets to fully guarantee Fisher’s $75 million. The 10-year time frame shows the administration is going to be patient with him and gave Fisher enough cushion to take the program to new heights.
The Aggies became a stronger team towards the end of the season, something they failed to do during the last five years of Kevin Sumlin’s tenure. Kyle Field has become one of the most intimidating venues in the nation and besides the early season loss to Clemson, Texas A&M finished 6-1 at home this year.
True sophomore signal-caller Kellen Mond is one of the best young quarterbacks in the SEC and junior running back Trayveon Williams leads the league in yards on the ground and rushing touchdowns. Texas A&M’s offense has been lights out during the three-game win streak, averaging 51 points per contest during that span.
Fisher’s boys have some fight in them and their near upset of Clemson earlier in the season and seven-overtime win over LSU showed this team has a never-say-die mentality. The Aggies’ defense is tied for third in the SEC at generating sacks, with 35 on the year.
Fisher’s next goal will be snapping the Aggies’ three-game post-season losing streak. North Carolina State is no pushover by any means and well-coached, but it doesn’t have the talent level of the upper-echelon teams of the SEC.
Overall, Fisher’s return to the sidelines in the SEC has been positive. If any of Saban’s proteges can eventually dethrone the No. 1 coach in College Football, he’s the one with the best shot. The future looks bright for Texas A&M and the team will likely be a Top-10 squad heading into the 2019 season.
The upper powers are trying to get Texas back on Texas A&M’s schedule because the Lone Star Showdown is good for College Football. In the meantime, Fisher has the Aggies on the right track and they’ll be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. Gig em!
