Paul Finebaum Names Major College Football Coach Who ‘Can’t Survive Another Bad Year’
College football is one of the most scrutinized sports in America, with programs and coaches constantly under the microscope, especially those at the highest levels of competition. Coaches are expected to not only recruit elite talent but also lead their teams to success, with the pressure mounting after every loss and even after every win if the expectations are not met. In the world of high-stakes football, no coach is immune to the threat of being on the hot seat, and some may find themselves in a precarious position if their teams underperform for extended periods.
One voice that holds significant influence in the college football world is Paul Finebaum. As a seasoned sports analyst, Finebaum has built a reputation for being brutally honest when it comes to breaking down college football. His insight into the inner workings of the sport, combined with his ability to spot trends, makes him a trusted figure for fans and programs alike. In a recent segment, Finebaum was asked to name the coach in major college football who “can’t survive another bad year.” His response was bold and pointed, shining a spotlight on a coach whose tenure is now in jeopardy if his program fails to improve.
In this article, we will explore Finebaum’s pick for the coach in danger of losing their job, examining the factors leading to this assertion, and why this particular coach is under intense scrutiny. We will also take a closer look at the program’s recent struggles, the expectations placed upon them, and what they need to do in the coming seasons to avoid the fate that Finebaum predicts.
1. Who Did Paul Finebaum Name as a Coach on the Hot Seat?
During his appearance on ESPN’s “College Football Live,” Paul Finebaum was asked to weigh in on the current college football coaching landscape. As he evaluated coaches who could be in danger of being ousted from their programs, Finebaum didn’t mince words when naming a coach who has long been under pressure: Jimbo Fisher, head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies.
Finebaum’s comments were straightforward and unequivocal. He stated that Jimbo Fisher “can’t survive another bad year” in reference to the Aggies’ struggles in recent seasons. The reasoning behind Finebaum’s assertion stems from a combination of factors: Fisher’s hefty contract, the high expectations placed on Texas A&M, the lack of sustained success, and the looming possibility of a change in leadership that could offer a fresh start for a program that has underperformed relative to its resources.
While Fisher was once seen as a potential savior for the Aggies, having arrived in College Station after a successful stint at Florida State, his time at Texas A&M has been marred by inconsistency and unmet expectations. His ability to deliver a national championship-caliber program, a major selling point during his hiring, has yet to come to fruition, and Finebaum believes that if Fisher doesn’t produce better results soon, his tenure at Texas A&M could come to a disastrous end.
2. Texas A&M’s Investment in Jimbo Fisher
When Jimbo Fisher was hired as the head coach of Texas A&M in December 2017, it was a move designed to elevate the program to new heights. Fisher had just led Florida State to a national championship in 2013, and his success in Tallahassee made him one of the hottest commodities in college football. Texas A&M, which has long been a high-profile program in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), was looking for a coach capable of leading them to championship contention.
To ensure that they landed Fisher, Texas A&M made a massive financial commitment. Fisher’s contract, worth a reported $75 million over 10 years, was one of the largest in college football history at the time. The Aggies were betting big on Fisher’s ability to turn the program into a perennial contender in the SEC, and his hiring was seen as a major step forward in their pursuit of national prominence.
However, as of 2024, the Aggies have yet to see the kind of success that was anticipated when Fisher was brought in. Despite recruiting at a high level, Texas A&M has struggled to live up to the hype under Fisher’s leadership. His teams have been plagued by inconsistency, failing to capitalize on their talent in critical moments and often falling short in key matchups. This lack of sustained success has raised questions about whether Fisher is the right man for the job, and Finebaum’s comments reflect the growing sentiment that another disappointing season could lead to a change.
3. The Struggles Under Jimbo Fisher’s Tenure
When analyzing Jimbo Fisher’s time at Texas A&M, it becomes clear why Finebaum believes that another bad season could result in his departure. There are several key factors that contribute to the program’s struggles under Fisher’s leadership:
1. Lack of Consistency
One of the biggest concerns surrounding Jimbo Fisher’s tenure has been the lack of consistency on the field. While the Aggies have had some impressive victories during Fisher’s time as head coach, they have also experienced several setbacks that have prevented them from competing for SEC titles or making a legitimate push for the College Football Playoff.
In 2020, Texas A&M finished the season with a 9-1 record and earned a spot in the New Year’s Six bowl games, but they were ultimately left out of the College Football Playoff, despite being ranked No. 5 in the country. The following year, the Aggies went 8-4, and in 2022, they finished with a disappointing 5-7 record, which was a significant blow to Fisher’s credibility as a head coach.
While Fisher has recruited well, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, his teams have consistently struggled to perform at a high level on offense. The inability to develop a consistent, explosive offense has hindered the Aggies’ chances of breaking through in the SEC, where high-powered offenses and stout defenses are the norm.
2. Missed Recruiting Potential
Another area where Fisher has failed to live up to expectations is in the area of recruiting. While Texas A&M has recruited well, especially in the 2022 cycle, their ability to consistently develop that talent into high-performing teams has been a point of contention. The 2022 class, which was ranked as the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation, was expected to make an immediate impact and provide the foundation for future success. However, the results on the field have not reflected the hype surrounding the class, and the Aggies have struggled to convert their elite talent into wins.
Fisher has been able to land top-tier recruits, but the lack of development and cohesion among his players has led to a series of disappointing seasons. The inability to develop players and create a competitive edge over other top SEC programs has been one of the defining issues for Texas A&M under Fisher.
3. Questionable In-Game Decisions
As with any high-profile coach, Jimbo Fisher has also faced criticism for his in-game decisions. Whether it’s questionable play-calling, ineffective use of timeouts, or the failure to make necessary adjustments during games, Fisher’s coaching decisions have been a frequent point of debate. In particular, his offense, which has often been described as outdated and predictable, has not been able to keep up with the rapidly evolving nature of college football.
In a league like the SEC, where coaching is a key factor in a team’s success, Fisher’s ability to make the right decisions in crucial moments is of paramount importance. However, his inability to consistently outmaneuver his SEC counterparts has contributed to the growing concerns about his future at Texas A&M.
4. The Future of Jimbo Fisher
So, what does the future hold for Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M? The answer largely depends on how the Aggies perform in the upcoming seasons. As Finebaum noted, Fisher cannot afford another subpar year. With the investment Texas A&M has made in him, the pressure is mounting for him to deliver results.
If Fisher is able to turn things around and lead the Aggies to an SEC championship or at least a spot in the College Football Playoff, his job will be safe for the foreseeable future. However, if Texas A&M continues to falter and fail to meet expectations, it’s possible that the university will make a change, particularly if they believe a fresh perspective could lead the program to greater heights.
The SEC is an incredibly competitive conference, and with teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU consistently at the top, it’s not easy to break through. However, Texas A&M has the resources, facilities, and recruiting base to contend with the best programs in the nation. The question is whether Jimbo Fisher can unlock that potential before it’s too late.
Conclusion
Jimbo Fisher’s time at Texas A&M has been marked by both highs and lows, and as Paul Finebaum has pointed out, Fisher “can’t survive another bad year.” The pressure on Fisher to deliver results has never been higher, and his future with the Aggies will depend on how well he can navigate the challenges of the SEC and lead his team to success. If he fails to meet expectations once again, Texas A&M may be forced to make a change, and the coach who was once seen as the future of the program could find himself out of a job. The coming seasons will be pivotal for Fisher and the Aggies, and only time will tell whether he can rise to the occasion and avoid the fate that Finebaum predicts.
