Despite having two national championships, three ACC titles, and a 128-48 record, Jimbo Fisher’s legacy in recent years has largely been viewed through the Texas A&M lens. Call it fate, wrong timing, or the aggressiveness of the SEC, but the Aggies regressed under him, despite his having a $95 million contract. Even coaches like Lane Kiffin noted Fisher’s failings despite having an “NFL-level roster.” So, Aggies fired him after bearing the brunt of a $77 million buyout, the financial rumblings of which are felt to this day. As for Fisher? He has found another venture to support his living.

According to recent reports, Fisher is joining the ACC Network as a studio analyst for the 2025 season. Moreover, the man looks ready for the new challenge. “I’m looking forward to joining ACC Network and the Huddle team this season. I’ve always had tremendous respect for this conference, and I’m looking forward to breaking down the action each week with such a talented group.” The new title is fitting for him, given that he works for a conference that has probably given him all the fame.

Having joined Florida State as its offensive coordinator and QBs coach in 2007, Fisher elevated the program and the offense, producing QBs like Christian Ponder and EJ Manuel. So, after legendary head coach Bobby Bowden decided to hang up his boots, Fisher was the only person fitting for the job, and he exceeded all expectations in that. For context, he led the team to its only national title in 28 years in 2013, while also coaching Heisman winner Jameis Winston. Now, the ACC commissioner has also announced the matchup where Fisher will be presenting.

“ACC commissioner Jim Phillips says the ACC Huddle pregame show will be traveling to Memorial Stadium for Clemson’s season/home opener vs. LSU on Aug. 30,” reported Chapel Fowler. While Fisher will start his ACC Network analyst career with the Clemson game, he still could have gotten that opportunity at the FSU vs Alabama game.

Florida State will look to turn its tide after a 2-win season last year with a tough opening game against Alabama. So, in that scenario, Jimbo Fisher announcing at Doak Campbell Stadium would have been a fitting start to celebrate his legacy with the Seminoles. Moreover, his role at Auburn as QBs coach would have played the rivalry dynamics, too.

For context, at Auburn, Fisher spent 5 seasons from 1993 to 1999 coaching QBs like Stan White and Patrick Nix. So, Alabama fans might not have been too kind to Fisher commenting on their team in that sense. However, that didn’t come to be, and the former Aggie’s head coach will feature in Clemson’s opening game. All in all, Fisher has found himself a new opportunity to showcase his coaching experience and insights, and that too, bagging those ‘millions‘ alongside Aggies.

Jimbo Fisher is still earning millions from Texas A&M’s firing

Aggies’ decision to fire Jimbo Fisher was probably the costliest firing in college football history with an estimated buyout of $77 million. Moreover, after firing Fisher, the team also had to hire a new head coach in Mike Elko, whom they are also paying handsomely. So. Elko coming on a $42 million deal and Fisher going out on a golden parachute of $77 million was big for the team. And guess what? The team is still paying Fisher.

“So a friend of mine knows, and he texts me and tells me. So 77.6 buyout, 19.4. 25% lump sum within 60 days of termination. So the termination was by January 11th, 2024. The remaining 58.2 paid out annually in installments through 2031. So he got 19.4 today and then once a month until 2031, he’s going to get between seven and nine million. I think I’d be all right. I think I could,” said ESPN’s Cole Cubelic.

The money is good, and no one would imagine that the analyst gig at ACC network would be done for money by Fisher. It’s more of a move to stay close to college football as he can, and when the right opportunity comes. Probably lead another program to the national title or take them out of obscurity.