Florida State University will be searching for a new head football coach for the first time in more than 40 years. Jimbo Fisher has accepted a job at Texas A&M University.
In a statement posted to Seminoles.com FSU President John Thrasher commends Fisher for filling the shoes of legendary coach Bobby Bowden. Now he says the school will begin the work of launching a search for a new coach for the first time in more than 40 years.
"From the moment media reports began to circulate about our position, it became evident the job would attract great interest from a number of elite coaches, and we will move quickly to evaluate candidates from across the nation," he said.
Fisher was an assistant coach before being promoted and served as head coach for eight years. FSU Athletics Director Stan Wilcox says Fisher will not be coaching this weekend’s game against Louisiana-Monroe. Instead, defensive tackles coach Odell Haggins will serve as interim. Wilcox also says FSU has already been reaching out to potential candidates to take over the program.
"We are extremely pleased by the quality of individuals who have already expressed interest in being the head coach at Florida State University. I am confident we will fill the position very soon."
Fisher was slated to earn $44.4 million through 2024. But his contract has a provision that puts him on the hook for paying FSU some liquidated damages for voluntarily leaving before the end of his term.
From the Document:
In the event Coach Fisher voluntarily terminates his contract prior to conclusion of the Total Term of the Agreement, Coach Fisher would be responsible for paying, as liquidated damages, a sum equal to the aggregate total compensation remaining to be paid to the Assistant Football Coaches (including the Director of Football Ops/Assistant AD for Football and Head Football Strength and Conditioning Coach) pursuant to their Employment Agreements from the date Coach Fisher terminates his Employment Agreement until the expiration of each of the Assistant Football Coaches’ Employment Contracts. The same provision shall apply to any extensions received pursuant to the Agreement.
Texas A&M University’s Board of Regents is holding a conference call Monday and is expected to make an official announcement. The board will discuss negotiating and executing a contract with the new football coach.
