COLLEGE STATION, Texas (Talk1370.com) -- Texas A&M University has parted ways with head football coach Jimbo Fisher after six years.
A&M Athletics Director Ross Bjork confirmed the news in a short release Sunday morning. Fisher's firing was first reported by Billy Liucci of TexAgs.
"After very careful analysis of all the components related to Texas A&M football, I recommended to [interim Texas A&M President Mark Welsh] and then Chancellor Sharp that a change in the leadership of the program was necessary in order for Aggie football to reach our full potential and they accepted my decision," Bjork's statement read. "We appreciate Coach Fisher's time here at Texas A&M and we wish him the best in his future endeavors."
During a press conference Sunday evening, Bjork said he informed Fisher of the decision around 9 a.m., and the team about two hours later.
Elijah Robinson, an assistant head coach and run game coordinator for the Aggies, will serve as interim head coach for the final two games of the regular season, the recruiting period, and the bowl game, Bjork said.
Fisher was in his sixth year at A&M, with a 45-25 overall record and a 27-21 record in Southeastern Conference play.
Under Fisher's most recent contract, a 10-year extension signed in 2021, the university is expected to pay out more than $76 million. The buyout would be the single largest buyout amount ever paid to a coach in college football.
Bjork emphasized during Sunday's press conference that only athletics department funds and donations from the 12th Man Foundation will be used to fund the contract buyout.
According to reports, Texas A&M University regents met earlier this week to discuss Fisher's future in what ended up being a four hour discussion in executive session.
"The decision to part ways with Coach Fisher is the result of a thorough evaluation of the football program's performance, and what's in the best interest of the overall program and Texas A&M University," Welsh said in a statement Sunday, adding that Bjork will start a national search for Fisher's replacement. "I am confident he will find a great coach and leader with a commitment to the values that drive Texas A&M."
Saturday, the Aggies (6-4, 4-3 SEC) dominated Mississippi State at Kyle Field by a score of 51-10, becoming bowl eligible after last year's disappointing 5-7 finish.
A&M is set to wrap up the regular season with Abilene Christian and LSU.