Two people with direct knowledge of the decision say Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher has resigned to take the same job at Texas A&M.
Fisher handed in his resignation after a meeting with university President John Thrasher on Friday, according to the people who spoke on condition of anonymity because Florida State had not announced the move. Texas A&M’s officials have approved a 10-year, $75 million contract for Fisher, ESPN reported. It will be the largest contract by total compensation in college football history.
Fisher becomes the first coach to leave a college program where he won a national title directly for another college program since Johnny Majors left Pitt for Tennessee in 1977.
Tomahawk Nation reported that Fisher met with the Seminoles players to tell them he is leaving. Some were upset that they found out on social media.
“I promised that you would be the first to know,” Fisher said while crying, according to Tomahwak Nation. “I don’t know how it got out.”
Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois, who has been sidelined since injuring his patellar tendon in the first game of the season, showed frustration on Twitter Friday with Fisher’s handling of the situation.
Fisher leaves Florida State after eight seasons where he went 83-23. He led the Seminoles to the national championship in 2013, three Atlantic Coast Conference titles and four ACC Atlantic Division crowns. He will replace Kevin Sumlin at Texas A&M.
Florida State (5-6) faces Louisiana Monroe on Saturday and needs a win to be bowl eligible for a 36th consecutive season. Defensive line coach Odell Haggins is expected to serve as interim coach.