Posted on Thu, Nov. 27, 2003 LSU's Fisher pulls out of Mississippi State coaching search RALPH D. RUSSO Associated Press
STARKVILLE, Miss. - LSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher withdrew from consideration for the head coaching position at Mississippi State on Thursday.
The Bulldogs are looking to replace Jackie Sherrill, who announced in October he will retire after this season. Mississippi State (2-9, 1-6 Southeastern Conference) played rival Mississippi Thursday night, wrapping up a third straight losing season.
Fisher released a statement through the LSU athletic department saying he canceled an interview with Mississippi State athletic director Larry Templeton that was scheduled for Saturday.
Third-ranked LSU plays Arkansas in Baton Rouge on Friday.
Fisher appeared to be the leading candidate for the job, drawing the most speculation in recent weeks.
"It's obviously very flattering to have your name mentioned for a head coaching position in the Southeastern Conference," Fisher said. "On the other hand, I'm very happy here at LSU and as a result I have decided to pull my name from consideration for the head coaching position at Mississippi State."
Fisher's withdrawal could open the door for Green Bay Packers assistant coach Sylvester Croom.
A Memphis television station, citing unidentified sources, reported Wednesday night that Croom would be hired by Mississippi State.
Croom released a statement through the Packers after Thursday's game in Detroit.
"It is inappropriate for me to comment about that at this time," he said.
Templeton denied the report about Croom before Thursday night's game. He said he has not offered the job to Croom nor would he confirm that Croom has been interviewed.
"I've interviewed a lot of people. We're not going to discuss individuals," Templeton said.
The 59-year-old Croom was an All-American center for Bear Bryant at Alabama in the early 1970s. He was an assistant for the Crimson Tide from 1977-86 and nearly landed the Alabama job when it came open last May after Mike Price was abruptly dismissed.
The Crimson Tide were criticized by some, including The Rev. Jesse Jackson, for picking Mike Shula, who is white, over Croom, who is black and has more experience.
The SEC is the only BCS conference to have never had a black head coach.
Heading into the game against Ole Miss, Mississippi State was 8-26 over the past three seasons with just three SEC wins. The Bulldogs are also awaiting the results of an NCAA investigation into possible rules violations by the football program.
______________________________________________________ RollTideFan - The University of Alabama Athletics Discussion List
"Welcome to RollTideFan! Wear a cup!" To join or leave the list or to make changes to your subscription visit http://listinfo.rolltidefan.net
