TALLAHASSEE — Rumors linking embattled Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher to Texas A&M are heating up at a record pace. While Fisher remains quiet regarding the rumors, multiple reports have come out stating that Texas A&M has made a “substantial” offer for the head coach.
For live updates on all things Fisher-A&M, be sure to check back to this page, as any breaking news regarding the ongoing saga will be posted here.
More:Â Jimbo Fisher, FSU Take Different Stances on TAMU Rumors
More:Â Five Reasons for Jimbo Fisher to Leave FSU
More:Â Five Reasons for Jimbo Fisher to Stay at FSU
More:Â Three 2018 DBs De-Commit from FSU
More: If This is It: The Potentially Final Tallies for Fisher as FSU Head Coach
Thursday, Nov. 30
7:20 p.m. EST
While the Texas A&M chancellor would not name names, the Houston Chronicle is reporting that Fisher is expected to be announced as the new Texas A&M head coach by Sunday at the latest.
“It’s real sensitive right now, so we’re going to make sure we do this right,” John Sharp said of why he’s not naming any names at this point.
Fisher is expected to make between $7 million and $7.5 annually with a contract of at least five years, according to the report.
6:33 p.m. EST
According to multiple reports, Fisher plans to coach Saturday’s regular season finale against Louisiana-Monroe.
1:20 p.m EST
Fisher spoke on Sirius XM’s ESPNU channel and, when asked, provided no comment (again) on the job search.
“You know what my answer will be. I don’t talk about jobs,” Fisher said.
When asked about a timetable for a decision, Fisher hinted that he may not decide until the season’s end. Said Fisher, “I always make decisions at the end of the year after things are finished.” He clarified later in the interview that he will make a decision after Saturday’s game against ULM.
8:27 a.m. EST
Noles247 is reporting that today may be the day FSU admins receive some clarity regarding Fisher’s mindset. The head coach is scheduled to speak to the media this evening and could offer an update then, though it’s worth noting that he has refused to comment numerous times in the past.
Wednesday, Nov. 29
10:51 p.m. EST
The dominoes are starting to fall as recruits are becoming fed up with the ongoing situation in Tallahassee. FSU has lost commitments of three blue-chip recruits in just over two hours. 4-star defensive back Houston Griffith, an IMG Academy prospect, announced his de-commitment via Twitter at 7:07 p.m. EST.
Before the clock struck 11, two more recruits had de-committed from the Seminoles — defensive back Israel Mukuamu and fullback Verdis Brown.
FSU will likely look to get the situation under control soon (if that’s even possible) or risk the situation spiraling further out of control.
7:57 p.m. EST
The Jimbo Fisher Call-In Show was going smoothly until about an hour ago, when a fan was ejected for pressing Fisher about “loyalty to the program.” The fan was able to get through most of his question before being escorted out.
“Jimbo, very excited when you came on board with the program,” Mike from Tallahassee said. “Very excited to have you as the offensive coordinator. Very excited when you became the head coach. It’s been kind of a tough season — I remember watching a lot of your press conferences where you would talk about how we need to be committed to the program and keep cheering for the team and we need to be talking about that and the loyalty to the program.
“So I’m wondering, where’s the loyalty to the program Jimb–,” [mic was snatched at this point].
There had been speculation that the show would not air tonight in an effort to avoid similar questions.
5:55 p.m. EST
3:00 p.m. EST
Sports Illustrated’s Andy Staples reports that FSU’s top candidate to replace Fisher, Oregon head coach Willie Taggart, has been offered a lucrative new contract from admins in Eugene as rumors swirl around the first-year head coach.
If Taggart accepts, the new deal would pay a little more than $20 million over five years. But Taggart has reason to wait. If Jimbo Fisher leaves Florida State for Texas A&M, Taggart could be a candidate for the Seminoles’ job.
– Andy Staples, SI
8:05 a.m. EST
Dan Wolken of USA Today is reporting that FSU admins are still in the dark over whether Fisher plans to remain in Tallahassee or move to Texas A&M. In an article posted in the Tallahassee Democrat, Wolken reports that, while FSU knows not where the head coach will end up, the university has begun background checks into several potential replacements:
“A person with knowledge of the matter told USA TODAY Sports that Florida State administrators have started preliminary background checks into candidates, including Oregon coach Willie Taggart. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
Taggart is expected to be one of the top targets for Florida State’s search should the job open, as he has significant ties to the state and recruited extremely well in the Interstate-4 corridor during his four seasons at South Florida.”
-Dan Wolken, USA Today
Joshua Mixon covers Florida State athletics for The Daily Nole. You can find him on Twitter @JoshDMixon.
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November 29, 2017 at 4:53 pm
This is getting absurd. Time for Fisher to make it official that he’s going to move on already. The players know what’s going on, so why worry about ULM?