Former Texas A&M football coach Jimbo Fisher hired by Ole Miss to run offense

Ole Miss hires former Texas A&M football coach Jimbo Fisher to "modernize" Rebel offense

In a surprising turn of events, the Ole Miss Rebels, who some have as a dark-horse SEC pick in 2024, have turned to an unlikely source for an addition to their offensive coaching staff—former Texas A&M football coach Jimbo Fisher.

The Rebels announced today that they are bringing in the veteran college football coach to a new position on the football staff, tentatively titled "Offensive Guru and Head Schematic Mastermind." It is described as a "virtual role" that will nonetheless have a "materially significant effect on gameday preparation and schematic decisions."

The former head man for the Aggies will lead a Rebel offense featuring Jaxson Dart at signal caller, along with big time transfer Antwane "Juice" Wells at wideout. Reached for comment about the hire of Fisher, Dart remarked "I'm not sure what you're talking about."

"I'm not sure what you're talking about."

- Jaxson Dart on hire of Jimbo Fisher

Given the on-again, off-again, but usually-on-again rivalry between Fisher and Rebel coach Lane Kiffin, this will come as an unexpected move to many in the college football world. The two have traded barbs in press conferences and postgame interviews more than once.

Kiffin himself seems excited about the possibilities, saying "[Jimbo] is the guy to bring this offense into the 21st century." Asked specifically about the duties of the role, Kiffin offered, "[Fisher] doesn't even have to leave his ranch, he just has to get on a Zoom once a week and tell us which plays we should run. Last week, I'm pretty sure he was out on the lake during the whole call. I was having trouble hearing him."

"I was having trouble hearing him."

- Lane Kiffin on Fisher's cell reception

Rumors out of Ole Miss's spring camp give fans a preview of what they can expect on offense, including three-yard throws on third and long, running power on every single first down, and a tight end throwback play that is to be used "no more than twice per year," according to a source familiar with the situation.

Asked about the previous relationship the two have had, Kiffin was bullish that the working environment with Fisher on board would be a positive one; in fact, the unlikely pair have apparently found ways to bond even over distance. "We've been watching a lot of movies together on weeknights," Kiffin said. "Mostly, we watch the Dark Knight a lot—we both love that one."

What does the future hold for the two? "We've registered for a virtual clowning workshop together," Kiffin said, going on to speak about how clowning is a "lost art form" that is "unappreciated" in modern times. "Maybe if this coaching stuff doesn't work out, we can take our act on the road."

Fisher was unavailable for comment on the hire, though an email reply remarked that he is excited for the upcoming clowning workshop.