Ross Bjork reveals his confidence level in Jimbo Fisher entering 2023 season

The Texas A&M Aggies did not have the 2022 year they envisioned after bringing in the nation’s top recruiting class last offseason. But did head coach Jimbo Fisher coming up short last year shake the confidence that athletic director Ross Bjork has in him?

During the 2023 SEC spring meetings, Bjork sat down with ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, revealing his confidence level in Fisher entering next season.

“Coach Fisher has recruited at a higher level than any coach in Texas A&M history has recruited at. So the foundation is there for success,” said Bjork. “He retooled several pieces of the coaching staff. I think to one, give him an offensive coordinator that he trusts. And also, these are CEO roles in modern-day college football. I don’t know how many coaches gave up play-calling duties this year, but Jimbo was one of them. But several other high-profile coaches [did too]. You just can’t call plays anymore at this level and manage all the things you have to manage. So I think his freedom, his flexibility, his frame of mind; I’ve seen a lot of positive energy. Our spring practices were high-intensity. We’ve got facilities coming on board.”

Fisher has proven himself over the years to be one of the better recruiters in college football, and that did not change when he made it to College Station. However, the biggest issue the Aggies’ headman has had is putting all the pieces together on the field successfully. With his attention being pulled every which way, at times, it appeared to be a bit overwhelming for Fisher at times. That idea may be why he brought in Bobby Petrino to run the offense for him next season.

As Bjork continued, the Aggies AD highlighted the bitter taste that last season left and not only his mouth but of all the individuals connected to the program. That is something he believes will help fuel the Texas A&M players on the field next season.

“Yeah, last year didn’t go well. 5-7, there’s no Aggie, none of us that like that. Coach Fisher didn’t like it, the coaching staff, the players. So I think they’re hungry to really have a chip on their shoulder, to come back high flying with coach Petrino on offense, coach Durkin on defense. We’ve got a lot of talent coming back. Our production is back. And so, I think a lot of us are just like, you know what, let’s just go play. Let’s just let loose and go play and have some fun this year.”

With the addition of Petrino to his coaching staff, Fisher now has an individual he feels comfortable with calling the offensive plays. And if his new offensive coordinator can help right the ship on that side of the ball, Fisher and the Aggies are in for a tremendous comeback season in 2023.