Nearly a decade after his departure from Tallahassee, former Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher could be making a return to the Seminoles.
Florida State’s reputation as one of the premier programs in college football has slipped in the years since Fisher departed for Texas A&M in 2017.
In the nine seasons after he left, the Seminoles have gone 50-49, have won the ACC just once and only have one bowl win to their credit.
The past two seasons have been particularly tough for head coach Mike Norvell, who has gone a combined 8-18 at the helm.
It’s led fans to clamor for a change. Now, according to reports from The Athletic, FSU leadership are considering a reunion with Fisher – who is looking to return to coaching after he was fired from A&M in 2023.
This comes at a time after FSU recently fired athletic director Michael Alford – leading to questions about Norvell’s future.
Florida State is considering bringing back Jimbo Fisher nine seasons after his departure
The reports come as there is uncertainty over the future of current head coach Mike Norvell
Fisher won the 2013 national title with Florida State before his departure for Texas A&M in 2017
Per the outlet, Fisher is interested in returning to the school where he won the 2013 national championship.
‘One interesting development we’ve heard recently is the prospect of former Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher returning to take over the program,’ Industry sources told The Athletic that FSU brass is ‘looking into the possibility.’
In eight seasons, Fisher went 83-23 – with the highlight being his victory over Auburn in the 2013 title game. But questions remain about how Fisher would adjust to the new era of college football.
‘Jimbo’s rosters didn’t stink,’ sources told the outlet. ‘His ability to adapt to modern football is what caught up with him.
Despite the desire to push Norvell out, removing him comes with a reported $50 million buyout – with any incoming coach raising the total price tag.
Even if Fisher comes back, there’s no guarantee the move would work. College football coaches returning to a school they left rarely match the highs of their previous success.
Past examples of coaches leaving and returning to lesser success include Scott Frost at UCF, Randy Edsall at UConn and Greg Schiano at Rutgers.
