Jimbo Fisher, the former Florida State and Texas A&M head coach, is making waves in college football again—not on the sidelines, but in the broadcast booth, with a clear intent to return to coaching if the right opportunity arises.
Texas A&M fired Fisher, in November 2023 with a massive $77.6 million buyout. He joined the ACC Network as a studio analyst for the 2025 season, marking his return to the sport after a year away. However, his comments on the “Trials and Triumph” podcast with former player Freddie Stevenson reveal he’s far from done with coaching, stating.
“I would be very interested in still doing it because I think I’ve still got a lot to give,” Fisher said.
Jimbo Fisher says he's "very interested" in returning to coachinghttps://t.co/6RumqGf3q7
— Zach Barnett (@zach_barnett) August 9, 2025
Fisher’s New Role
Announced on July 22 at the ACC Football Kickoff in Charlotte, N.C., Fisher will join ACC’s “The Huddle,” the network on their weekly studio show that travels to marquee ACC games. His debut will cover the high-profile LSU vs. Clemson matchup in week one. Leveraging his deep knowledge of ACC football from his successful tenure at Florida State (2010-17), where he went 83-23, won three ACC titles and secured a 2014 BCS National Championship.
On this day in 2014 📅
— Barstool Gambling (@stoolgambling) January 6, 2023
#1 Florida State (-11) comes back from a 21-3 deficit to defeat #2 Auburn 34-31 in the last BCS National Championship Game
Jameis Winston’s 13-yard TD pass to Kelvin Benjamin with 13 seconds left gave #1 FSU the victoryhttps://t.co/6Yp5ZgjZv9
Fisher’s experience, including his time navigating the NIL era at Texas A&M, positions him to offer unique insights alongside analysts like Eddie Royal and Eric Mac Lain.
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“I’m looking forward to breaking down the action each week with such a talented group,” Fisher said in a statement.
His move to broadcasting follows a familiar path for coaches like Urban Meyer and Nick Saban, who transitioned to media before returning to coaching. Fisher’s high-profile buyout—$7.2 million annually through 2031—means he’s financially secure, but his passion for coaching remains evident.
“I never thought of it as a job. I loved it,” he said, emphasizing his desire to reconnect with players and the game.
Interest in Coaching Return
Fisher, now 59, highlighted his coaching pedigree on the podcast: a 128-48 record across Florida State and Texas A&M. With a 72 percent win rate, and an 80 percent postseason success rate. Despite his struggles at Texas A&M, where he went 45-25 without reaching double-digit wins, he led the Aggies to a No. 4 AP ranking in 2020, their highest since 1939. His departure from Texas A&M followed a 5-7 season in 2022 and a 6-4 start in 2023. With the program opting to pay the historic buyout rather than continue with him, Fisher acknowledged the challenges.
Breaking: Jimbo Fisher has been fired as Texas A&M head coach, sources told @PeteThamel. pic.twitter.com/Ap8xLrkSDa
— ESPN (@espn) November 12, 2023
“We know at the end at A&M, it’s unfortunate,” he said but emphasized his health and readiness to coach again if the “right situation” emerges. Fisher’s potential return hinges on openings at programs seeking experienced leadership, particularly those with coaches on the hot seat in 2025. Fisher did not name any specific programs, but there are plenty of coaches facing intense pressure this season.
Challenges and Considerations
Fisher’s hefty buyout from Texas A&M could complicate negotiations, as programs may hesitate to pay a premium for a coach already receiving millions. Additionally, his tenure at Texas A&M drew criticism for underperforming despite top-tier recruiting classes, which might make athletic directors wary. Fisher, fueled by his Florida State triumphs, is eager to return to coaching.
Conclusion
Fisher’s 2025 role with the ACC Network keeps him in the college football spotlight, offering a platform to showcase his expertise while he awaits the “right situation” to return to coaching. Fisher has experience and a passion for the game. He is ready to be a top candidate if hot seat coaches any hot seat coaches fumble this season. As he breaks down ACC games on “The Huddle,” fans and athletic directors alike will be watching to see if Fisher’s next chapter is back on the sidelines.
