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Jimbo Fisher reportedly turned down a $6.8 million per year contract from the LSU Tigers, favoring instead to stay in Tallahassee with the Florida State Seminoles.

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Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher was reportedly LSU’s top choice to become the football program’s next head coach, but on Thursday night, it was reported that Fisher had decided to stay put in Tallahassee. It was likely going to take a small fortune to get Fisher to leave a more-than-comfortable situation with the Seminoles, but in the end, Fisher and LSU couldn’t come to terms.

According to a report from NOLA.com, the two parties had negotiated throughout the week, with LSU initially offering $6 million per year. After going back and forth, the university reportedly pushed its offer as high as $6.8 million per year. For context, that would make Fisher the third-highest paid coach in the country, behind only Jim Harbaugh and Nick Saban. End the end, though, Fisher decided to stay in Tallahassee.

Fisher’s decision falls in line with what the coach has said since the offseason regarding rumors of a defection to Baton Rouge. Ever since Joe Alleva started considering replacing Les Miles at the end of last year, and subsequently pining over Fisher, the FSU coach has sidestepped any notions of leaving his post with the Seminoles. Even as late as this week, as negotiations were reportedly taking place, Fisher told Florida State fans to “be patient” while reiterating his love for the program.

In a quick pivot, LSU has now reportedly targeted Houston’s Tom Herman to be the program’s next head coach. Interim head coach Ed Orgeron will also reportedly meet with administration regarding the job. Following the Tigers’ victory over Texas A&M in College Station, players chanted “Keep Coach O” while celebrating in the locker room.

For his part, Fisher has already conquered the most difficult challenge of his tenure at FSU by ably replacing a legend in Bobby Bowden. In nearly seven seasons as the program’s head coach he has compiled a 75-17 record, won three ACC titles, claimed one national championship, coached a Heisman Trophy winner and guided the Seminoles to their longest win streak in program history.

Essentially, he has accomplished more in less than a decade than most coaches do in an entire career. His reticence to leave is more than understandable.

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