Jimbo Fisher provides more skepticism he'll truly empower Bobby Petrino to resuscitate Texas A&M's wheezing offense
NASHVILLE — Jimbo Fisher has $75 million reasons to never squirm again for the rest of his life.
But as if he’d just eaten a bowl of spicy Texas chili gone bad, the Aggies’ fast-talking head coach got squirrelly whenever he was asked any probing questions about potential hot seat scuttle or the role of new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino on Day 1 of 2023 SEC Media Days.
“Who is calling the plays this fall?”
“I’m not getting into that,” Fisher said.
Well, what will the offense look like?”
“I’m not going to say exactly what we’re going to do.”
What’s your reaction to being on the so-called “hot seat?”
“I put the pressure on myself. We’re on the hot seat when we’re 10-0. I don’t feel any different whether we’re 1-3 or 10-0.”
Woo buddy. That’s the good stuff (especially because Jimbo Fisher has never been 1-3 or 10-0 in any season at Texas A&M).
Can the Jimbo Fisher-Bobby Petrino pairing work?
Jimbo Fisher can ramble faster than a Texan cattle auctioneer, but it was comical to watch the Aggies’ head coach suddenly find himself short on words more than once Monday.
Now, it ultimately doesn’t mean anything. This is primetime Talkin’ Season. Yet what is said is generally pointless.
Fisher doesn’t have to answer questions with specifics about how or why Texas A&M will be better in 2023. He just needs to be darn sure it happens.
It’s no secret that Texas A&M desperately needs a rebound season. After going 5-7 in 2022, the Aggies still return a roster that, outside of Athens, Tuscaloosa or Baton Rouge, is as talented as any in the league.
But that’s been the case the last few years, too.
Fisher’s teams have consistently underachieved because they continue to run an archaic offense that is allergic to explosive plays. Texas A&M averaged a respectable 5.73 yards per play in 2022, but Fisher must be a big fan of the old Texas Rangers because there’s little other explanation for why they’ve willingly played offense with one hand cuffed behind their backs. Last season, the Aggies ranked 99th or worse nationally in third down offense, explosiveness and scoring. They were 88th overall in success rate. They were 87th in first downs.
That’s inexcusable with Texas A&M’s offensive talent.
Fisher can continue to harp on “execution” and exalt other hot-air platitudes, but it comes down to coaching. Which is what makes his marriage with Bobby Petrino so fascinating to see unfold. While the pairing reeks of last call matchmaking, cue the Arrested Development meme, “What if it works for (them)?”
Petrino is a fantastic offensive mind and play-caller. If given the space, he could infuse Texas A&M’s offense with fresh ideas and Easy-Button layups.
Star wideout Ainias Smith told me Monday that there was a notable increase in tempo and pace on offense this spring.
That’s a start at least.
But Texas A&M’s potential for offensive growth can’t come from bits and pieces of Petrino’s deep background. The guy hasn’t been an assistant coach since 2002.
The Aggies need to go whole hog on this arrangement.
There will be no offensive renaissance if two of the most stubborn coaches in the country are constantly bumping heads and “collaborating” on play-calling. Texas A&M’s wheezing offense won’t be fixed if all the oxygen in the room is spent on who is actually in charge.
“Bobby was hired for a reason. Tremendous guy. Tremendous football mind,” Fisher said.
“Hopefully he’ll call the game and have suggestions.”
Hopefully?
Eh, hopefully, Fisher’s latest secretive schtick is just that. Hopefully, he’s cognizant enough to recognize change is more than warranted. The fastest way Jimbo’s pressure value gets cooled is to allow Petrino to cook.
Will it happen, though?
Hopefully.