COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Former Florida State University head football coach Jimbo Fisher donned a maroon blazer Monday as he was introduced as the 29th head football coach at Texas A&M University.
"Howdy," Fisher said to kick off his portion of the introductory news conference at the Kyle Field football offices.
VIDEO: Jimbo Fisher says 'Howdy' to Texas A&M
Fisher’s move to Aggieland was first reported by KPRC2 last Sunday, and on Friday he stepped down at Florida State after eight years.
"There are very few places in America that I would have left Florida State for, and Texas A&M is at the top," Fisher said in a statement released Monday. "I want to thank the great people at Florida State for an incredible opportunity. President Young and Scott Woodward have been tremendous in our discussions and I know that we will do great things together. We have everything in place to reach our goal, which is to bring a national title to College Station, and I can't wait to get started."
During Monday's news conference, Fisher said he had no plans to leave FSU, but his research into the resources available at Texas A&M convinced him to commit to College Station.
Fisher promised to create a comprehensive program that will make Aggies fans proud of not only the games that are played, but also of the players themselves.
PHOTOS: Jimbo Fisher through the years
"We understand that we are the front porch of this university. We are not this university. We are just a representation of this university. But we are the front porch of this university, and we want to represent it with the great values and core values on the field and off the field that this school represents," Fisher said. "And then let people realize the greatness that's going beyond the field really continues. And the secret to it is here in College Station of what this university is, what it represents, what it is and what it still can be as we grow."
"Your expectations will never be greater than mine," Fisher said. "We're going to strive for perfection every day."
Fisher said he will hold a team meeting Monday to introduce himself to the current players and staff members to explain his vision for the team.
"I always tell our players this: Change is inevitable; growth is optional. We want to grow. We want to live in vision. I think, when you live in vision, if you can't see it, you can never achieve it. I can see what we can be. I have a vision of what we can be. We will chip away and take the things away that don't help that vision. We will increase the things that help that vision and try to take Texas A&M where it should be at the top of the college football world. I think everything is here. It's an exciting time to be at Texas A&M, and I'm extremely proud to be your coach," Fisher said.
Fisher arrived in College Station Sunday afternoon on a private plane, and was greeted by a portion of the Aggies Marching Band before he hopped in a car and headed to Kyle Field.
VIDEO: Jimbo lands in College Station
His 10-year contract with the Aggies is worth $75 million. The school's athletics director said no state-appropriated funds will be used to pay Fisher's salary.
Fisher will not coach the Aggies during their Belk Bowl appearance on Dec. 29. He will coach his first Texas A&M game on Sept. 1, 2018.
"To be able to come over here and accept those challenges and go to new heights and do things because breaking into this conference and doing the things we have to do. And I think all the ingredients are. I really do. I think we have tremendous recruiting base. I think we have tremendous facilities, and I think we have tremendous support. I'm looking forward to the challenge of accepting that challenge and moving this organization and program forward and helping this university, be a proud part of this university," Fisher said.
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Posted by KPRC2 / Click2Houston on Monday, December 4, 2017