FSU fans - Jimbo Fisher may be your new OC
Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 6:36 pm
LSU's Fisher might take over FSU's offense
By Tom D'Angelo
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Monday, December 18, 2006
Florida State may have cleared the final hurdle in its pursuit of LSU's Jimbo Fisher as its next offensive coordinator.
The hiring of Dolphins tight ends coach Derek Dooley as Louisiana Tech's new coach clears the way for Fisher, also a candidate for the job, to join the Seminoles' staff. Dooley will be introduced today according to Dolphins head coach Nick Saban.
Fisher, according to several sources and media reports, has been Bobby Bowden's top candidate to replace his son, Jeff, as offensive coordinator. Jeff Bowden, who also coached receivers, resigned Nov. 14.
Fisher, though, was a strong candidate to fill the head coaching vacancies at Louisiana Tech and Alabama-Birmingham, and was linked to the openings at Cincinnati and North Carolina State.
All four positions have been filled.
Bowden, according to reports, flew to Fisher's home to conduct an interview.
Fisher, the Tigers' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, is close to the Bowden family. A quarterback in college, he played for Terry Bowden for three seasons, two at Salem College (1985-86) and one at Samford (1987). Fisher then coached under Terry Bowden at Samford as his offensive coordinator and at Auburn as his quarterback's coach. Fisher worked under Saban for five years after joining the LSU staff in 1990,
Fisher, 41, earns $400,000 annually, an unusually high salary for an offensive coordinator. The Seminoles' highest-paid assistant is defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews at $208,840. But Seminole Boosters - which will pay Jeff Bowden $537,500 as part of his termination agreement - has shown it can come up with extra money when needed.
Bobby Bowden confirmed this month that more changes are coming following the Seminoles' Dec. 27 Emerald Bowl matchup against UCLA in San Francisco.
If Fisher joins the Seminoles, quarterback coach Daryl Dickey almost certainly will leave. That would open the door to hire Florida State alumnus and South Florida receivers coach Lawrence Dawsey to fill the same position with the Seminoles.
Offensive line coach Mark McHale could be replaced, and running backs coach Billy Sexton may move into an administrative role.
Valdosta State coach Chris Hatcher also interviewed for the Louisiana Tech job. Many believe Hatcher is a candidate for the FSU offensive coordinator job but it is unknown if Bobby Bowden, who has been a one-man search committee, has interviewed him.
Dooley will be formally introduced by Louisiana Tech today in Ruston, La.
"We're always happy and pleased and helpful in trying to have guys who have been loyal and worked hard get opportunities," Dolphins coach Nick Saban said.
Per Dolphins team rules, Dooley was not allowed to comment.
Dooley will continue in his role with the Dolphins through the Dec. 31 season finale.
"We'll try to help him out the best we can so he can do both things effectively," Saban said. "I went through an experience like this when I went to Michigan State. I was the defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns and took the job on Dec. 2. We lost on Jan. 9 in the playoffs. I did both jobs just like Charlie Weis did at Notre Dame in New England a few years ago. I don't think that should be an issue or problem for us."
Dooley, son of former Georgia coach and Athletic Director Vince Dooley, is in his second season with the Dolphins. He served on Saban's staff at LSU from 2000 through '04.
He replaces Jack Bicknell, who was fired after compiling a 42-53 record in eight seasons.
Noteworthy: Georgia offensive coordinator Neil Callaway was hired to coach at UAB
By Tom D'Angelo
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Monday, December 18, 2006
Florida State may have cleared the final hurdle in its pursuit of LSU's Jimbo Fisher as its next offensive coordinator.
The hiring of Dolphins tight ends coach Derek Dooley as Louisiana Tech's new coach clears the way for Fisher, also a candidate for the job, to join the Seminoles' staff. Dooley will be introduced today according to Dolphins head coach Nick Saban.
Fisher, according to several sources and media reports, has been Bobby Bowden's top candidate to replace his son, Jeff, as offensive coordinator. Jeff Bowden, who also coached receivers, resigned Nov. 14.
Fisher, though, was a strong candidate to fill the head coaching vacancies at Louisiana Tech and Alabama-Birmingham, and was linked to the openings at Cincinnati and North Carolina State.
All four positions have been filled.
Bowden, according to reports, flew to Fisher's home to conduct an interview.
Fisher, the Tigers' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, is close to the Bowden family. A quarterback in college, he played for Terry Bowden for three seasons, two at Salem College (1985-86) and one at Samford (1987). Fisher then coached under Terry Bowden at Samford as his offensive coordinator and at Auburn as his quarterback's coach. Fisher worked under Saban for five years after joining the LSU staff in 1990,
Fisher, 41, earns $400,000 annually, an unusually high salary for an offensive coordinator. The Seminoles' highest-paid assistant is defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews at $208,840. But Seminole Boosters - which will pay Jeff Bowden $537,500 as part of his termination agreement - has shown it can come up with extra money when needed.
Bobby Bowden confirmed this month that more changes are coming following the Seminoles' Dec. 27 Emerald Bowl matchup against UCLA in San Francisco.
If Fisher joins the Seminoles, quarterback coach Daryl Dickey almost certainly will leave. That would open the door to hire Florida State alumnus and South Florida receivers coach Lawrence Dawsey to fill the same position with the Seminoles.
Offensive line coach Mark McHale could be replaced, and running backs coach Billy Sexton may move into an administrative role.
Valdosta State coach Chris Hatcher also interviewed for the Louisiana Tech job. Many believe Hatcher is a candidate for the FSU offensive coordinator job but it is unknown if Bobby Bowden, who has been a one-man search committee, has interviewed him.
Dooley will be formally introduced by Louisiana Tech today in Ruston, La.
"We're always happy and pleased and helpful in trying to have guys who have been loyal and worked hard get opportunities," Dolphins coach Nick Saban said.
Per Dolphins team rules, Dooley was not allowed to comment.
Dooley will continue in his role with the Dolphins through the Dec. 31 season finale.
"We'll try to help him out the best we can so he can do both things effectively," Saban said. "I went through an experience like this when I went to Michigan State. I was the defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns and took the job on Dec. 2. We lost on Jan. 9 in the playoffs. I did both jobs just like Charlie Weis did at Notre Dame in New England a few years ago. I don't think that should be an issue or problem for us."
Dooley, son of former Georgia coach and Athletic Director Vince Dooley, is in his second season with the Dolphins. He served on Saban's staff at LSU from 2000 through '04.
He replaces Jack Bicknell, who was fired after compiling a 42-53 record in eight seasons.
Noteworthy: Georgia offensive coordinator Neil Callaway was hired to coach at UAB