Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher is what talkin’ season is all about, as the West Virginia native is heading into his sixth season with the program. But, man, the stakes could not be higher after A&M’s disaster of a season in 2022, going 5-7 and 2-6 in the SEC.
As we all know, rankings season and talkin’ season always coincide. After CBS Sports writer Tom Fornelli released his Top 25 Power Five coaches list this week, Fisher is still receiving the respect he has earned. Still, as Fornelli states in his article, his 2013 National Championship with Florida State isn’t the selling point it used to be.
So, coming in at No. 20 after being ranked No. 5 (a 15-spot drop..) in the same preseason rankings last year, Fornelli brings the heat, and honestly, nothing to disagree with here.
“That national title Fisher won at Florida State no longer carries him in these rankings. While I can’t speak for everyone else, I know Jimbo fell in my rankings because of his refusal to adjust. He still recruits well, but while other coaches like Nick Saban have adapted to changes in the sport, Jimbo keeps trying to pound square pegs into round holes with his offense. Maybe hiring Bobby Petrino means he’s finally adapting, or maybe it’ll be the same old Jimbo. We could see him climb to the top 10 quickly if it’s the former … but if it isn’t?”
As we’ve said here numerous times at Aggies Wire, Jimbo Fisher is known for his recruiting prowess and knowledge of the game. However, last season’s results did show a coach that felt like player effort, not scheme (or lack thereof), was the reason for their in-season demise. If, and even now, this is still a big if, Fisher completely relinquishes the playcalling duties to Bobby Petrino, the offense, led by sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman, will thrive. If not, things could get ugly, not just on the field.
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