The Jimbo Fisher era was a failure for Texas A&M football, and now the Aggies find themselves needing to pivot in a big way.
Fisher leaves Texas A&M with a 45-25 record, which on its face doesn't look bad. With that said, he could never win a big game, especially against a ranked SEC opponent.
The one thing Fisher did do was recruit. He brought in the top class in the country on the 2022 recruiting trail and the 2024 class he leaves behind is currently ranked No. 10. He had some hype and momentum built up around the program, without a doubt, and now Texas A&M needs to do all it can to preserve that excitement.
According to hot take artist Stephen A. Smith, that's where Deion Sanders should come into play for the Aggies. He's obviously a phenomenal recruiter, and with the backing Texas A&M has, Smith believes Sanders can get the elite players he needs to win big at the college level.
"Deion Sanders in the SEC with that vault that they have available to them. With the hawgs that he can recruit. Because he doesn't have them at Colorado and he ain't gonna get 'em," Smith said, explaining why he thinks the Aggies should go after Sanders.
Smith did go on to say that he doesn't think Texas A&M will make the call. That doesn't mean he doesn't want to see it happen, though.
"Texas A&M, Primetime Deion Sanders in the SEC? That needs to happen," Smith said.
"Primetime Deion Sanders in the SEC? That needs to happen."@stephenasmith is calling for Deion Sanders to take Jimbo Fisher's place as HC for Texas A&M pic.twitter.com/ZYKW1XmGcy
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) November 13, 2023
While poaching Sanders from Colorado would undoubtedly be the splashiest move the Aggies can make, it stands to reason that they may not be able to afford it.
First of all, Fisher's buyout is extraordinary. He's about to make millions of dollars to not coach Texas A&M.
Jimbo Fisher's Unprecedented Texas A&M Buyout
— Spotrac (@spotrac) November 12, 2023
Within 60 Days: $19.4M
Within 120 Days: $7.27M
2025: $7.27M
2026: $7.27M
2027: $7.27M
2028: $7.27M
2029: $7.27M
2030: $7.27M
2031: $7.27M
Total Buyout: $77.56M
Throw in the fact that Texas A&M would also have to buy Sanders out of his Colorado contract -- which was a five-year, $29.5 million deal -- and it just doesn't make financial sense for the Aggies, despite how big of a hire it would ultimately be.
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