CHARLOTTE, N.C. _ The news of Jimbo Fisher's resignation as Florida State's coach was felt some 500 miles north of Tallahassee, Fla., as preparations for this weekend's ACC Championship were in full swing.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney was shocked when asked his thoughts on Fisher's departure to take the Texas A&M.
"I don't know if that's accurate or not," he said before someone confirmed to him it was official. "He obviously feels like maybe it's the right move for him. I don't know. I know that he did an unbelievable job at Florida State.
"This is a business that's very public, as we all know. From time to time you have to make decisions. Sometimes those decisions become very public, and the public is going to weigh in with how they feel about it," added Swinney.
Miami coach Mark Richt recalled a gathering early in the year when he shared a stage with both Jim McElwain and Jimbo Fisher.
"You would have thought we'd be doing things like that for years to come. Just hasn't turned out that way," Richt said of the encounter.
"I've been through it, so I know job changes can happen. They happen no different reasons," he added. "I'm not going to get in anybody's business. Certainly I have heard what's going on, but I haven't focused on it at all because I'm trying to get ready to get a first down or two, you know."
ACC commissioner John Swofford commended the job that Fisher did at FSU.
"He's won a national championship, been in the national championship picture multiple times and certainly in the ACC Championship picture a number of times. I wish him well," Swofford said. "He made a very positive contribution to the ACC and I'm sure he'll make a very positive contribution to the SEC and to Texas A&M as he has at FSU and the ACC."
But he added it's always tough when a coach leaves a program such as the one with the Seminoles.
"You like continuity particularly with the more successful programs because I think continuity contributes to the success when you've got the right person in the job. But it's also part of a business and you understand that and I think the fortunate thing in this instance _ I think Florida State is one of the absolutely best coaching jobs in college football.
"I don't think there's any question that Stan Wilcox and President Thrasher will attract a high-quality coach. It's such an established program and has everything there to compete for ACC and national championships. I would hope and expect that to continue."
Swinney was quick to point out that Clemson has back-to-back games against Texas A&M the next two seasons on their schedule.
"I can't get rid of him, still be a thorn in our side," Swinney said with a smile.
