Jimbo.

 

One of those people that could simply go by one name. It’s a unique nickname that has stuck and become nationally known among college football fans. 

 

The people of West Virginia knew it long before the rest of the country. Jimbo Fisher, the national championship winning, current head football coach at Florida State University. Native of Clarksburg, West Virginia.

 

It’s the last description that endears him to people in this state.He has been a popular and talked about figure in this state for decades. His rise through the college football ranks has been followed closely by West Virginians for years.

 

A national championship while the offensive coordinator at LSU, a wish-list candidate for the West Virginia job when it opened following Rich Rodriguez’ departure and most recently, as the head coach of Florida State.

 

Fisher has done a remarkable job taking over for one of the best to ever do it, Bobby Bowden. While not a state native, Bowden is also held in high regard by West Virginians. 

 

Interesting isn’t it  … Bowden built Florida State into a powerhouse and then turned over the keys to Jimbo Fisher. 

 

One adopted West Virginian turning over the reigns of one of college football’s best programs to a native West Virginian.

 

But, the football success Fisher has had, pales in comparison to what he accomplished this week. With his letter to all Florida high school football coaches asking for a donation to help high school football programs in West Virginia affected by the flood, the respect for Jimbo Fisher went up. Way up. 

 

We talked with Fisher Friday night on the Northside Automotive Statewide Sportsline and he said he wanted to help because “this place is very important to us.” 

 

The ‘us’ in that statement refers to Alabama head football coach, Nick Saban. Saban will join Jimbo Fisher and former WVU assistant coach Rick Trickett for a visit to Clay County High School coming up on Wednesday. 

 

Fisher went on to say “athletics has been a big part of the small communities in West Virginia.”

 

He finished by saying, “the people of West Virginia are phenomenal people."

 

We all got a look at what it means to be a West Virginian in the last few weeks. Unimaginable events have brought out the best in people from our state.

 

Tough, resilient, hard working and maybe most of all, caring. The rush to help in any way possible has been encouraging to see.

Jimbo Fisher showed he’s a true West Virginian. He may live hundreds of miles away now, but he didn’t forget where he came from. He used his platform to try and help make things in his home state a little better.

 

Thank you, Jimbo.

 

You can hear the full interview with Jimbo Fisher by CLICKING HERE.

 

Editor's Note: Photos courtesy of Florida State University Facebook page.