2005-08-06 17:36:11
According to several reports, the Mississippi State football program is giving a serious look to a divisional rival in its search for a new head coach. LSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher has been strongly linked to the job opening created when Bulldogs coach Jackie Sherrill resigned last month, effective at the end of the season. Fisher has hired prominent Memphis sports agent Jimmy Sexton, whose clients include such head coaches as Bill Parcells of the Dallas Cowboys, Nick Saban of LSU, Tommy Tuberville of Auburn and Houston Nutt of Arkansas. "I began representing him late last spring," Sexton said. "I'm not sure, but I think I'm the first agent he's had. Assistant coaches usually don't get agents until they're ready to become a head coach. "As far as I know, Mississippi State officials have not contacted him, but I think they have an interest." Fisher, 38, has directed one of the Southeastern Conference's most successful offenses at LSU since the 2000 season. The Tigers were second in the SEC and 11th in the nation in total offense (451 yards per game) and passing offense (298.2 yards) in 2001 when they won the league title. He was a finalist that season for the Frank Broyles assistant coach of the year award. Fisher's 2003 LSU offense ranks second in the SEC in scoring (35.7 points) and in passing (258 yards) and third in total offense (428 yards). Quarterback Matt Mauck, whom Saban considered playing at defensive back two years ago because he would get on the field more quickly, is No. 1 in the SEC and 12th nationally in passing efficiency. Fisher also coaches LSU's quarterbacks and helped transform Josh Booty from the nation's interception leader in 1999 to a first-team All-SEC quarterback in 2000. A largely unproven Rohan Davey then became LSU's all-time passing yards and completions leader for a season with 3,347 yards and 217 completions in 2001. "Jimbo's a young guy who a lot of people talk about as a possible head coach," Sexton said. "But I also know he's very happy at LSU. His focus right now is the rest of the season because LSU has a chance to have a very special season." Fisher said through LSU sports information Michael Bonnette that his concentration is with the Tigers and the stretch run.