Texas A&M would be spending $75 million to buyout Jimbo Fisher’s contract, after firing the head football coach on Sunday.
“In my analysis … our program is stuck in neutral,” Texas A&M Athletic Director Ross Bjork told reporters hours after he had met with Fisher to notify him of the school’s decision. “Something was not working”
Bjork said he concluded a leadership change was needed earlier last week.
“After very careful analysis of all the components related to Texas A&M football, I recommended to President Welsh and then Chancellor Sharp that a change in the leadership of the program was necessary for Aggie football to reach our full potential and they accepted my decision,” said Athletic Director Ross Bjork in a statement.
“We appreciate Coach Fisher’s time here at Texas A&M and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
In the meantime, A&M Assistant Coach Elijah Robinson has been named the team’s interim head coach for the final two games of the season: Abilene Christian University on Nov. 18 and Louisiana State University on Nov. 25.
“The decision to part ways with Coach Fisher is the result of a thorough evaluation of the football program’s performance, and what’s in the best interest of the overall program and Texas A&M University,” Welsh said in a statement Sunday, adding that Bjork will start a national search for Fisher’s replacement.
“I am confident he will find a great coach and leader with a commitment to the values that drive Texas A&M.”
According to Bjork, Fisher would be paid with donor dollars from the school’s 12th Man Foundation and athletic department funds.
Fisher has been unable to deliver his part of his contract with Texas A&M. While Fisher had a strong year in 2020, Fisher’s overall record is 45-25.
