Texas A&M's Fisher putting verbal spat with Saban behind him
Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher says he's no longer mad at Alabama's Nick Saban following their public disagreement this past offseason.
"What people don't realize is that it's not like we ever talked a lot," Fisher said, according to ESPN's Chris Low. "Since I've been here, we've probably talked on the phone five different times. He might call me about something or need a favor, which is still fine. I don't have a problem with that, and I would still help if that was the case.
"Nick and I ain't got time to call each other. It doesn't have anything to do with like or dislike. I mean, what am I going to say if I call him - 'Our recruiting is going well. How is yours going?' Hell, we're recruiting the same damn guys."
Fisher found himself in the headlines after having a highly publicized war of words with Saban when the Crimson Tide coach alleged that Texas A&M "bought" all its players in its top-rated 2022 recruiting class.
The next day, Fisher responded to Saban's comments by calling him "despicable" and a "narcissist" in a viral tirade. Saban later apologized, clarifying that his issue wasn't with any particular person but rather schools that use NIL as a recruiting inducement.
The Aggies were voted No. 6 in the AP preseason rankings this past week. Fisher & Co. finished with an 8-4 record last season that included a victory over coach Nick Saban and Alabama, marking the first time a former assistant coach under Saban went on to defeat their former boss.
The Texas A&M bench boss admits he took personal offense to Saban's comments, which he felt insulted the program, his players, and their families, especially the use of the word "bought." The two spoke briefly at the SEC spring meeting in Destin, Florida, but have not spoken since.
Fisher, who served as LSU offensive coordinator from 2000-04 under Saban, initially said their relationship was "done" but admitted he wouldn't rule out possibly making amends.
With heightened expectations on the Aggies following a consecutive highly-touted recruiting class, Fisher wants direct attention to his team's potential this season - not his squabble with Saban.
"We're talented and have established that we can start stacking a huge number of the right guys in our program. We've still got great challenges this year. We gotta go prove it. Hey, it's time to shut up and play, just go play."
Fisher and Texas A&M will travel to Alabama on Oct. 8.