Paul Finebaum weighs in on Jimbo Fisher: 'He went DEFCON One on Nick Saban'

While speaking about Jimbo Fisher’s recent comments about Alabama coach Nick Saban, ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum detailed what prompted Fisher’s outburst. Fisher responded harshly to Saban’s allegations about Texas A&M using NIL to recruit players — including Saban’s statement that the Aggies have “bought” their players.

Saban made his comments while speaking at an event, critiquing the current state of NIL and recruiting in college football while specifically naming Texas A&M and Jackson State as teams using money to recruit. Fisher responded by calling Saban a “narcissist” and claimed some people “think they’re God.”

Paul Finebaum on Fisher and Saban

While speaking on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning, Finebaum explained that Fisher’s comments towards Saban were not a shock to anyone who knows Fisher.

“From Jimbo’s standpoint, another predictable moment. He predicted all of this in February,” said Finebaum. “Everyone heard what he said around National Signing Day and he just went further. I know that maybe his words of the past have been different, but I think anyone who knows Jimbo Fisher knows that’s how he really feels. He has masqueraded as one of Nick Saban’s guys for a long time when it was convenient.

“But deep down the animus toward Nick Saban has been there for a very long time. I can tell you that authoritatively. And it finally just — he went DEFCON One on Saban. And that’s where we are. I think the real question is what happens next? What happens next when we see them a week from tomorrow in Destin.”

According to Finebaum, Saban’s allegation was the perfect opportunity for Fisher to come out against his former boss. While most of the sports world has circled their upcoming regular season game set for Oct. 8, Finebaum points out that the preseason war of words may not be over yet. With the SEC holding their spring meetings in Destin, Florida — there’s plenty of chances for both coaches to further comment about or directly towards each other.

Jimbo Fisher’s response to NIL allegations

“We never bought anybody,” said Fisher. “No rules were broken. Nothing was done wrong. It was all – the way in which we do things, the ethics of how we do things. And these families, it’s despicable that a reputable head coach can come out and say this when he doesn’t get his way or things don’t go his way. The narcissist in him doesn’t allow those things to happen and it’s ridiculous when he’s not on top.”

After addressing his thoughts on Saban’s comment, he also took the opportunity to call his character into question.

“It’s amazing, some people think they’re God,” continued Fisher. “Go dig into how God did his deal, you may find out about a lot of things you don’t want to know. We build him up to be the czar of football, go dig into his past, or anybody who’s ever coached with him. You can find out anything you want to find out. What he does and how he does it, and it’s despicable.”