BREAKING NEWS: Former Texas A&M football head coach Jimbo fisher who is now anticipating for a new coaching position sent a message Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko concerning…see more

In a surprising turn of events that has sent shockwaves across the college football landscape, former Texas A\&M head coach Jimbo Fisher has broken his months-long public silence to address his successor, Mike Elko, in a message that is as reflective as it is revealing.

Fisher, who was bought out by Texas A\&M in late 2023 for a record-breaking \$76 million after six seasons at the helm, has reportedly been in deep discussions with multiple Power Five programs about a potential return to coaching for the 2025 season. However, it was his unsolicited remarks regarding Elko and the state of the Aggies program that have everyone talking.

Speaking on the podcast *Gridiron Rewind*, hosted by former ESPN analyst Chris Marlowe, Fisher offered insight into his tumultuous tenure in College Station, his coaching future, and, most notably, a direct message to Elko, the man many believe is trying to finish what Fisher started.

> “I’ve been keeping up with what Mike’s doing down there,” Fisher said. “I know that job. I know those boys, I recruited many of them. And I’ll say this: Mike, if you’re listening — just keep your head down and trust your gut. Don’t let the outside noise get to you. Because if there’s one thing I learned the hard way, it’s that the pressure in Aggieland can eat you alive if you let it.”

### Fisher’s Rise and Fall at Texas A\&M

Jimbo Fisher arrived at Texas A\&M in 2018 with fanfare befitting a national champion. After leading Florida State to a BCS title in 2013, his move to College Station on a historic 10-year, \$75 million fully guaranteed contract stunned the college football world.

His time at A\&M began with promise, highlighted by a 9-1 season in 2020 that culminated in an Orange Bowl win and a No. 4 final ranking. But subsequent seasons were marked by inconsistency, high expectations unmet, and criticisms over stagnant offensive schemes. The 2022 and 2023 seasons, in particular, saw the Aggies fall short of SEC West contention despite top-10 recruiting classes.

By November 2023, following a disheartening loss to Ole Miss, Texas A\&M made the difficult but decisive move to part ways with Fisher, triggering the largest buyout in college football history.

“I left a lot on the table,” Fisher admitted during the interview. “I’m not bitter about how things ended. That’s the business. But I do want people to know, I gave it everything I had.”

### A Message to Mike Elko

Mike Elko, a former defensive coordinator under Fisher from 2018 to 2021, returned to College Station in December 2023 after two impressive seasons as head coach at Duke. His familiarity with the Aggies’ culture and defensive-minded approach made him an ideal candidate to stabilize the program.

In his first full season in 2024, Elko led the Aggies to a respectable 9-4 record, including a bowl win over Michigan State and a win against archrival Texas in the newly revived Lone Star Showdown. Recruiting momentum has picked up again, and Elko’s no-nonsense leadership style has earned praise from boosters and alumni alike.

Still, Fisher’s message was both congratulatory and cautionary.

> “This ain’t Florida State or Duke, no disrespect,” Fisher continued. “At A\&M, you’ve got the resources, yes — but you also have every eye in Texas on you. Expectations are sky high. One 8-win season and folks start grumbling. Two, and you’re in trouble.”

The former coach also stressed the importance of developing quarterbacks — a long-standing criticism of his own tenure.

> “I wish I could go back and fix some things, especially how we handled the quarterback room. Too many changes, not enough stability. Mike’s got a kid now \[referring to sophomore QB Davis Randle], and I think he’s the real deal. Just give him time to grow.”

### Coaching Future: Fisher Eyes Return

After nearly two years out of coaching, Fisher confirmed that he is actively exploring opportunities for a return to the sidelines.

“Football is what I do,” he said. “I’ve had time to reflect, recharge. I’ve been studying the game, looking at where it’s evolving. I’m not done.”

When pressed about possible destinations, Fisher remained coy, though sources close to the situation say he has been in preliminary talks with programs in the Big Ten and ACC. One anonymous source confirmed that a “serious conversation” took place between Fisher and Michigan State’s athletic department in June, though no formal offer has been extended.

“He’s taking his time,” said Marlowe after the interview. “He doesn’t want to jump into just any situation. He wants the right fit, something where he can build — or rebuild — and leave a real legacy.”

### Reactions Pour In

Social media lit up following the release of Fisher’s interview, with Aggies fans, analysts, and former players chiming in.

Former A\&M quarterback Zach Calzada, now coaching at a Texas high school, tweeted: “Say what you want about Coach Fisher, but he cared about us. Respect for speaking up.”

Others were more skeptical. SEC analyst Paul Finebaum, never one to mince words, said on *SEC Now*: “Jimbo’s words are heartfelt, sure, but let’s not forget — the man was handed the keys to a Ferrari and drove it like a minivan. Mike Elko’s job is to now turn that car into a championship machine.”

Elko himself has not responded publicly to Fisher’s comments, but insiders say he was informed of the remarks shortly after the interview aired.

### What Comes Next?

As the college football offseason rolls toward fall camp, both men find themselves at critical junctures.

For Mike Elko, year two will be all about progression — pushing for a 10-win season, continued development of his young talent, and proving that Texas A\&M can once again challenge Alabama and LSU for SEC dominance.

For Jimbo Fisher, it’s about finding the right opportunity to write a new chapter.

> “People say I’m yesterday’s news,” Fisher said in closing. “But trust me, I’ve still got plays left to call. And when I’m back, I’ll be better than ever.”