Jimbo Fisher era at Texas A&M: Looking back on beating Alabama, 2020 season and infamous contract extension
Jimbo Fisher had plenty of highs and mostly lows at Texas A&M. Or rather, disappointments and what-might-have-beens for the Aggies in their quest to be at the top of the SEC West and in college football.
It’s why the Aggies signed Fisher from Florida State with a 10-year, $75 million contract.
But now that Texas A&M is reportedly moving on from Fisher, it’s time to look back on his tenure.
The 2020 season will be remembered as a high-water mark, as it included a win over No. 4 Florida, a signature win at the time. Kellen Mond hit wideout Caleb Chapman for a 51-yard pass to tie the score at 38-38 with 4:30 to play. Then the A&M defense forced its first turnover of the day — stripping Florida RB Malik Davis — to get the ball back near midfield.
Then Mond and the offense set up the game-winning field goal, a 26-yard chip shot from Seth Small to clinch the victory.
That season will be remembered for the Aggies missing out on the Playoff despite a strong resume. The Aggies were passed over by Ohio State and Notre Dame. Texas A&M’s best win was against Florida. The Aggies also had a 28-point loss at Alabama early but ultimately won 7 straight games, which was their longest streak since 1998.
Then 2 years ago, Small was back for another big kick, and this one knocked off Alabama in dramatic fashion. It ended the Crimson Tide’s winning streak at 19 games.
Also in 2021, Fisher received the contract extension that has become the talk of college football since as the Aggies struggles continued.
At the time, Aggies director of athletics Ross Bjork explained the timeline and why Fisher got this new deal now.
“It’s really, really important to get this done before we start playing games. It further shows our commitment not only to Coach Fisher but to Aggie football,” Bjork said. “We’re on the right track to building towards championship-level success.”
Fisher’s annual salary was spelled out to be $9 million beginning Jan. 1, 2022, then was increased to $9.15 million on Jan. 1, 2023.
The announcement of Fisher’s new contract came only 3 days before the start of his 4th season leading the Aggies.