ESPN with controversial article on Jimbo...

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To get one glimpse into what Fisher found so appealing about Texas A&M, follow the money -- and not just his $75 million contract. Any program that wants to make a jump to serious contention needs financial resources, support and commitment. One of Fisher's biggest frustrations in his final years at Florida State was an inability to build a standalone football facility. Texas A&M already is among the wealthiest programs in the country, with modern facilities and suites the envy of all but a select few. In September, Forbes magazine declared Texas A&M as college football's most valuable program, with $148 million in revenue and $107 million in profit. According to Forbes, Texas A&M received $260 million in contributions between 2014 and the 2016 season -- more than double anyone else. For more context, look no further than the Founders Suites, which required at least an eight-figure commitment. They sold out in 12 hours. That's where the biggest money boosters get their own exclusive concierge, an entry with a grand staircase and piano, a lobby with two giant crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, their suite, seats in the lower bowl close to the 50-yard line and a specially commissioned oil painting hanging outside the door. Tickets to the game cost extra. So do food and parking. But it's not just the big-money boosters that give the Texas A&M 12th man its sterling reputation. At nearly each visit to A&M clubs across Texas, near-record crowds greeted Fisher with wild applause and long lines for pictures and autographs. At NRG Center in Houston in July, more than 800 fans came to see him. In Dallas, so many people showed up they had to set up a satellite room to make space for everyone.

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But after the game, in the locker room, none of that mattered. The team celebrated, and the positive feelings were flowing. This team seemed different, even though the record (8-4) isn't much different at all from those of the past four years. They went 3-1 in November, instead of 1-3. They were a physical team with one of the country's top run defenses. Before Fisher, they were often called "soft" and were one of the SEC's worst run defenses. They were finally beating ranked teams in their own building, something they struggled to do before. And for the first time since 2012, when Johnny Manziel was on campus, the Aggies finished second in the SEC West. Fisher, for all his talk about grit, toughness and discipline, basked in the moment. As he addressed the team, he looked down toward Williams, a captain and one of the team's leaders, who was kneeling. "Hey," he said before sticking his tongue out, mouth wide open in glee. "How about them Aggies?" He thanked his team, particularly his seniors, for buying in when they didn't have to do so. He emphasized the work and effort it took to win the game. He talked about the future. Before he wrapped up, he reminded them of the standard. When he noted they finished second in the division, the team cheered. "Hey, I don't like getting ..." Fisher said loudly as he tried to calm the noise. "This is the only time we're ever getting excited about second. From now on, it's first."

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