Career Timeline of Jimbo Fisher: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Jimbo Fisher, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jimbo Fisher is an American college football coach. He is notable for leading Florida State to a BCS National Championship in 2014. Fisher coached at Texas A&M from 2018 until 2023. His tenure at Texas A&M did not yield similar championship success despite significant financial investment in the program.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1939: Highest Postseason Ranking Since 1939

In 2020, Jimbo Fisher led the Aggies to their highest postseason ranking since the 1939 season.

1988: Rejoined Terry Bowden at Samford as Graduate Assistant

In 1988, Jimbo Fisher began his coaching career, rejoining Terry Bowden at Samford as a graduate assistant coach working with quarterbacks.

1988: Played in the Arena Football League

In 1988, Jimbo Fisher played a season in the Arena Football League for the Chicago Bruisers.

1990: Full-time Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach at Samford

In 1990, Jimbo Fisher was hired as the full-time offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Samford after serving as a graduate assistant.

1995: First Victory Over LSU since 1995

In 2018, the Aggies had their first victory over LSU since 1995.

1998: Terry Bowden's Resignation at Auburn

In 1998, Tommy Tuberville took over as head coach at Auburn University following Terry Bowden's mid-season resignation, marking a transition in Jimbo Fisher's coaching environment.

1999: First National Championship since 1999

In 2014, Jimbo Fisher won the first national championship since 1999.

1999: Sweep of In-State Rivals

In his first season, Fisher's team swept in-state rivals Miami and Florida for the first time since 1999.

2000: Joined LSU Coaching Staff

In 2000, Jimbo Fisher joined Nick Saban's staff at LSU as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator.

2003: First 10-Win Season Since 2003

In his first season, Fisher led the Seminoles to their first 10-win season since 2003.

2006: Interviewed for Head Coaching Position at UAB

After the 2006 season, Jimbo Fisher interviewed for the head coaching position at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), but the contract offer was vetoed.

December 1, 2009: Bowden Announced Retirement

On December 1, 2009, Bobby Bowden announced his retirement from coaching after the Gator Bowl matchup on New Year's Day 2010.

January 7, 2010: Official Introduction as Head Coach

On January 7, 2010, Jimbo Fisher's official introduction as head coach took place at a Florida State University press conference, where he announced his 2010 coaching staff.

2010: Bowden's Retirement Game

In 2010, Jimbo Fisher prepared the Seminoles for the Gator Bowl as Bowden's assistant before becoming the head coach.

January 2011: Head Coach Consideration Deadline

The University promised to pay $5 million to Jimbo Fisher if he was not made head coach by January 2011.

2011: 9-4 Season

In 2011, Jimbo Fisher led the Seminoles to a 9-4 season.

2011: Son's Diagnosis and Kidz1stFund

In 2011, Jimbo Fisher's younger son, Ethan, was diagnosed with Fanconi anemia, which led Jimbo and Candi Fisher to found Kidz1stFund.

2012: Conference Title and Major Bowl Appearance

In 2012, Jimbo Fisher led the Seminoles to their first conference title in seven years and appeared in a major bowl, defeating Northern Illinois in the Orange Bowl.

2012: Best Conference Finish Since 2012

In his first season at A&M (2018), Jimbo Fisher coached the Aggies to a second-place finish in the SEC West, which was the program's best conference finish since joining the conference in 2012.

2013: Undefeated Season

In 2013, the Seminoles, led by quarterback Jameis Winston, had an undefeated season.

2014: BCS National Championship Victory

In 2014, Jimbo Fisher led Florida State to a BCS National Championship victory.

December 1, 2017: Resigned from Florida State

On December 1, 2017, Jimbo Fisher resigned as the head coach at Florida State University.

August 2018: ESPN Interview

During an August 2018 ESPN interview, Jimbo Fisher discussed his decision to take the Texas A&M job.

2018: Head Football Coach at Texas A&M

In 2018, Jimbo Fisher became the head football coach at Texas A&M.

2018: First Season at A&M

In 2018, Jimbo Fisher coached the Aggies to a 9-4 record in his first season at A&M.

2018: Original Contract Signed

In 2018, Jimbo Fisher signed his original contract with Texas A&M.

2019: 2019 Season with Losses to Top-Ranked Teams

In 2019, Fisher's Aggies team suffered losses to top-10 ranked teams including Clemson, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, and LSU. The Aggies then defeated Oklahoma State in the 2019 Texas Bowl 24-21.

2020: COVID-19 Shortened Season

During the COVID-19-shortened conference-only 2020 season, Jimbo Fisher led the Aggies to a 9-1 record and a No. 4 ranking in the AP Poll.

December 1, 2021: Buyout Clause Before December 1, 2021

Prior to the 2021 season, if Jimbo Fisher was to be fired without cause before December 1, 2021, he would have been owed $95.6 million.

2021: Defeated Alabama

In 2021, the Aggies defeated then-No. 1 ranked Alabama at home. Fisher became the first former assistant coach of Nick Saban to defeat him, shattering Saban's then-perfect 24-0 record.

January 1, 2022: Contract Extension

Beginning January 1, 2022, Jimbo Fisher was to be paid $9 million annually as part of his contract extension.

November 12, 2023: Fired as Head Coach

On November 12, 2023, Jimbo Fisher was fired as head coach of Texas A&M. His contract was bought out for $77.5 million, the largest buyout in college football history.