Jimbo Fisher Reportedly Considered for Return to Florida State
Sources indicate that Florida State leadership is exploring the possibility of re-hiring Jimbo Fisher, who left the program in 2017 for Texas A&M.
Florida State is reportedly considering a reunion with former head coach Jimbo Fisher, nearly a decade after his departure for Texas A&M. Sources have indicated to The Athletic that FSU leadership is exploring the possibility of bringing Fisher back to coach the Seminoles.
Fisher led Florida State from 2010 to 2017, amassing an 83-23 record and winning the national championship in 2013. However, the program's reputation has declined in the years since his exit. In the nine seasons following Fisher's departure, Florida State has compiled a 50-49 record, secured only one ACC title, and achieved a single bowl victory.
The current head coach, Mike Norvell, has faced significant challenges, with the team posting a combined 8-18 record over the past two seasons. This has fueled speculation about Norvell's future with the program, especially following the recent dismissal of athletic director Michael Alford.
Fisher himself is reportedly interested in returning to Tallahassee after being fired by Texas A&M in 2023. Sources close to the situation suggest that while Fisher was adept at recruiting and building rosters, questions remain about his ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of modern college football. His tenure at Texas A&M concluded with his dismissal in 2023.
Any move to replace Norvell would come with a significant financial implication. The current head coach has a buyout reported to be around $50 million, and bringing in a new coach would add to that total cost.
The article notes that historical examples of coaches returning to former schools often do not result in recapturing previous levels of success, citing figures like Scott Frost at UCF, Randy Edsall at UConn, and Greg Schiano at Rutgers as cautionary tales.