How does Jimbo Fisher adapt into his new role as head coach?
By all indications, Fisher is a quick learner who has done a good job throughout his career of excelling quickly. He swiftly rose through the coaching ranks to become the offensive coordinator at LSU in 2000. That first season in Baton Rouge, the Tigers’ offense finished in the 50’s nationally under Fisher’s guidance. The next season – still largely without players Fisher had a hand in recruiting – LSU finished No. 11 nationally in total offense. Fisher guided a similar offensive turnaround at Florida State. But it did take time. Just like it will take time for him to achieve what he wants in his new role.
The questions about Fisher’s transition into head coach don’t have much to do with coaching. It’s obvious the man can coach. But how well will he handle all the extracurricular stuff that goes with the job? Fisher put on a nice show during his inaugural booster tour around the state. The response from fans and boosters was positive – and not just because a lot of people long wanted Fisher to take over for Bobby Bowden as the program declined. Aside from that, Fisher proved to be a persuasive, engaging speaker. He has people believing again. Still, in addition to the coaching and public relations parts of the job, there are plenty of other roles Fisher must play.
And, in some of them, no one can have any idea how Fisher will do. Dealing on a regular basis with the media. Being the day-in, day-out public face of the program. Disciplining players who run afoul with the law. Managing an entire staff of assistant coaches. Fisher has been the golden man since he arrived at Florida State in 2007. He has been seen as a kind of savior of the program since then. And in three seasons since, he admirably turned around the Seminoles’ offense. Along the way, he has largely been immune from criticism while disappointed fans, boosters and, yes, trustees, focused their ire on Bowden. But now Fisher is The Man and he will have to deal with all The Stuff that comes with it – good and bad. So how will it work out in his first year? Let’s see.
