College football is all about balance. While one prepares to leave, time for the other to take the return route. Before you get too confused, here comes a surprise. Going by the hush-hush, former Texas A&M HC Jimbo Fisher is envisioning a coaching return. Till today, more than what he has given to the program, Fisher is remembered for his $76 million buyout.

Now, the ex-HC claims that he ‘misses’ the game, and that’s enough of a hint for another Fisher era. But the CFB world is no longer interested in his buyout figure as Billy Napier now reels in all the attention with his buyout numbers going viral. Meanwhile, there are many spots open for Fisher. 

While the rumors are on about Fisher’s return, is it going to be immediate? It does not seem so. Even though he is itching to get back to donning the HC badge, he is going to be patient about this move. Maybe he will join the role but not until the circumstances stand in his favor. “It’s gotta be the right situation, right time, and a good thing. I never coached for money in the first place,” confessed Fisher in an interview with CBS Sports. Does he miss coaching? Definitely, he does. He went all emotional and stated, “I just miss the game. You miss the relationships and practice and all that stuff.” 

Fisher was fired in November 2023 after his six-season stint with Texas A&M. Despite a 45-25 record over six seasons, Jimbo Fisher was fired as the Aggies head coach in November 2023 after a disappointing 6-4 start to the 2023 season. Well, the team’s struggles throughout the year ultimately led to his dismissal. But his ‘buyout’ amount was so massive that Texas had to pay in two installments, $19 million within 60 days of contract termination and $7 million within 120 days. 

Now, gone are those days and Fisher’s buyout figure has become a distant memory with Napier’s entry. The talk of the town is the Gators HC as Florida now wishes to get rid of him and has already accumulated $26.7 million. Does that mean Fisher might take up the Gators’ hot seat? Well, he is spoiled with more than one choice. 

What’s next for Jimbo Fisher? 

The most obvious option, going by the current scenario is the Gators. It’s part of Florida’s tradition to get rid of coaches if they fail at the recruiting task. They did that with Dan Mullen too. Now that Napier’s recruiting scheme went awry with Cormani McClain and now top prospects losing hopes on him, he is going to undergo the same fate. In that case, a re-energized Fisher would fill that gap. 

Next up in line are the USC Trojans. They won 11 games in the first year under HC Lincoln Riley but then backslid into an 8-5 season in 2023. Riley was hired to contend for titles but failed to achieve any in his first three years. Maybe somewhere he lacks the energy to attack. Which on the other hand Fisher at 58 still possesses. His vibrant spirit came forward during an ESPN Radio spot where he claimed, “I’m still young enough. I’ll be ready to roll again pretty soon.”

Like Lincoln Riley and Billy Napier, Baylor Bears HC Dave Aranda too has landed in a sticky spot, particularly after Colorado Buffaloes defeated them on September 21. Besides, chances reign high for Jimbo Fisher to stay in Texas A&M to make use of his established relationships. In case his return is finalized, which door is he going to choose? Let your opinion pour in!