COLLEGE STATION, Texas – New Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher said he "never had any intention of leaving Florida State."
Fisher spoke about his abrupt exit from FSU on Monday during his introductory news conference.
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"I had no plans on leaving there," Fisher said. "I had no plans on ever leaving there."
Fisher said his decision to leave FSU had more to do with his relationship with Texas A&M athletic director Scott Woodward, who worked with Fisher at LSU.
Of course, the 10-year, $75 million contract may have had something to do with it. FSU athletic director Stan Wilcox said the school was unable to match the offer.
The former Seminoles coach said he and Woodward had a shared vision about what it would take to bring a championship to Texas A&M.
Woodward fired Kevin Sumlin after six seasons at Texas A&M, leading the Aggies to a 51-26 record during his tenure. But he was just 25-23 in Southeastern Conference play.
Fisher, who led the Seminoles to three Atlantic Coast Conference titles and the 2013 national championship, said it was a challenge that he couldn't pass up. He was 83-23 in eight seasons at FSU, including a 10-2 record against SEC opponents.