Andy Staples: Buyouts of potential candidates to replace Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M

Change appears to be on the horizon in College Station, if it’s not already here, when it comes to the latest surrounding Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M. Now, while that business still needs to play out with the Aggies, many, including On3’s Andy Staples, are already starting to consider who could potentially roam the sidelines inside Kyle Field next?

In a tweet on Sunday, Staples listed off some candidates who might begin to generate interest for the job at Texas A&M under the assumption that, as reported, it becomes available in the very near future. Of the three buyout options, he included Oregon’s Dan Lanning, Washington’s Kalen DeBoer, and Duke’s Mike Elko.

1. Dan Lanning – Oregon Ducks

Lanning would be the Aggie’s idea of big game hunting as far as coaching candidates on Staples’ list. That’s because of his background and connections as he worked up the ranks as well as what he has done in his lone stop as a head coach in Eugene.

Bringing in a disciple of Nick Saban and Kirby Smart is already a great start. Mix in a current 18-4 record at Oregon with top-six ratings for the College Football Playoff over the last two years and Lanning, if he were interested in moving on from the Ducks anytime soon, would be at the top of any program’s list. However, in this scenario, he would be the priciest option with a buyout set around $20 million.

2. Kalen DeBoer – Washington Huskies

For as much of a homerun as Lanning would be, DeBoer wouldn’t be too far behind as far as a Fisher replacement. Like Lanning, he has generated a ton of success over the past two years out in the Pac-12.

With a current record of 21-2, DeBoer has established himself as one of the nation’s better coaches by building the Huskies up. An appearance in the College Football Playoff would only bolster his growing prominence. He’d also be a cheaper option per Staples, at least when you compare his to Lanning’s, with a buyout of only $12 million up in Seattle.

3. Mike Elko – Duke Blue Devils

If a coaching vacancy has come open this offseason, those around it have said the name of Mike Elko. The unexpected success he has found on the football field in Durham, North Carolina has everything to do with that.

Elko was already a hot commodity after going 9-4 overall in 2022. Then, with a 5-1 start to 2023 before specific injuries took their toll on the Blue Devil’s record, he became an even hotter commodity. There’s no figure for what his buyout could be but, in comparison to Staples’ other options, his name would very likely be in the mix as well.