What I stated earlier today was totally accurate - on Thursday afternoon Jimbo Fisher told new Alabama coach Nick Saban that he was sticking with his commitment to Bobby Bowden and planned on following through on his agreement to become FSU's offensive coordinator. He then called Bowden to confirm he was coming and everything was resolved.
It looked to be a done deal at that stage but Alabama and Saban refused to go down without a fight. What I heard Thursday evening from multiple sources is that Saban and Alabama sweetened the pot some and this is again a dynamic situation. He made another sales pitch in the evening and depending on who you believe Fisher might be wavering again. I've heard from a couple people that Alabama is offering somewhere close to 1-million a year. Another source I talked to tonight in the Alabama camp says the number is closer to $700K.
I'm not sure what FSU is willing to offer Fisher but I've heard there are some boosters willing to go to the mat to get it done. I totally believe that but I'm not sure if FSU President T. K. Wetherell and AD Dave Hart are willing to sign off on a contract if the numbers get too out of hand.
Even with the turn of events tonight, from talking to people close to the situation they are still confident that Fisher will ultimately end up at FSU. I think a lot of that is based on the multiple people that he told he was coming to FSU, including good friend Rick Trickett, who was confirmed as FSU's new assistant head coach and OL coach on Thursday. There is also the opportunity to become FSU's next head coach when Bowden retires. With Steele now at Alabama, Fisher would be in the driver's seat if he can turn things around at FSU. If he goes to 'Bama he probably has less talent to work with and with Saban locked in, he would have to get a HC job somewhere else.
Just my opinion, but I think Fisher has made his decision but like a nervous groom on his wedding day is having last minute jitters, especially with a hot ex-girlfirend trying to talk him out of it. He could still leave FSU at the alter but like most grooms he will likely follow through and do what he committed to doing in the first place.
I think one way or another this will have to end on Friday. I don't see Bowden and FSU dragging this situation on through next week.
