“Pressure is a privilege.”
These are some of the opening words Jimbo Fisher had at Media Days today. If they are true than Fisher is the most privileged man in the SEC. Financially that is.
He’s got a 10-year $75 million contract. All guaranteed. The championships are not.
Coming off of the highest ranked finish in the AP poll since 1939, Texas A&M now has the privilege of expectations to win.
Jimbo has been to the mountain top before. In his fourth year at Florida State, he led the Seminoles to an undefeated season and national title. Going into his fourth year in College Station, he was asked about the similarities between the two situations.
“I think from the cultural change of you putting how you believe, what you want, how you want to play, the things you want to do into place, I think from that standpoint and the success standpoint we’ve had, I think there are a lot of similarities.”
He does have question marks at his starting quarterback position. A battle between Haynes King and
“I’m very pleased with both guys. I think we’re in a really, really good situation. I love our room, however that situation turns out. But very excited about those guys and their future.”
Jimbo has only six starters returning on the offensive side of the ball. Four starters now gone from last year’s offensive line. The offensive guru will have some work to do with finding a new quarterback and keeping him upright.
This offseason, Jimbo was asked if he would be the first assistant to beat Nick Saban. In so many words, Fisher said he would beat Alabama before Saban retired. Does Jimbo regret saying it?
“I don’t have any regrets. That’s what we’re here for, isn’t it? Isn’t that why everybody’s here? That’s what makes this league this league. That’s what we expect to do at Texas A&M.”
One thing is for sure. Fisher did not mix words. Never has and probably never will. And that didn’t stop at SEC Media Days.
He was asked how NIL would affect college football. It’s too early to tell, but Jimbo did come out and say what everyone was thinking.
“Heck, some people have been doing name, image, and likeness for a long time, just they ain’t telling nobody. Now we’re all on equal playing field.”
Jokes aside, the biggest takeaway is the confidence Fisher displayed.
“We feel confident in ourselves. Me setting here saying that doesn’t mean it. We want to beat them. They want to beat us. Who can do the most work and become the best football team until then is what’s going to make the difference.”
He’ll need that confidence with all the pressure going into year four.