Jimbo Fisher made his name not too far away, but decided in December it was time to move on.
The former Florida State head coach returned to the Panhandle this week for the SEC Spring Meetings facing his biggest challenge to date.
Fisher left one of the nation's most-established programs and an ACC heavyweight for a record-setting contract and the chance to turn Texas A&M from a sleeping giant into an SEC title contender.
This week was a homecoming of sorts for Fisher, who coached in the SEC for 13 seasons as an assistant before leaving for FSU.
"I spent so much time in this league and feel like I know so many people here," Fisher told reporters. "When I walk in a room, it's like a reunion with all the guys you coached with. Happy, excited.
"It's going to be very challenging, but I'm looking forward to it."
Fisher inherits some of the nation's best facilities, but A&M's rabid fan base, talented roster and Texas' fertile recruiting ground are nothing he did not have in Tallahassee.
A 10-year, $75 million contract gives the 52-year-old infinite job security. But he now must navigate the SEC West _ college football toughest division and home to Nick Saban's Alabama Crimson Tide.
Saban returned to the SEC the year after Fisher left LSU after the 2006 season. Saban hired Fisher there in 2000. This followed a one-year stint at Cincinnati following six seasons at Auburn coaching quarterbacks.
LSU tried to lure Fisher back to the SEC in 2016, but he stayed at FSU for one more season.
Texas A&M was not even an SEC member when Fisher coached in the league. The Aggies have not finished higher than fourth place in the West Division other than 2012, when A&M tied for second place and Johnny Manziel won the Heisman Trophy.
Fisher inherits a team with 15 returning starters and a pool of talent many believe former coach Kevin Sumlin and his staff failed to maximize.
Fisher knows he faces a tall order himself, noting SEC competition and commitment are without peer.
"It's such a great conference," Fisher said. "I grew up in the conference. I have tremendous respect for it. I know how challenging it is.
"One thing about the SEC, it's prioritized and they're going to do the best they can possibly be and be the best they can possibly be."
