Bobby Petrino posted on social media for the first time since August on Monday afternoon. Jimbo Fisher was fired by Texas A&M University just one day prior.
Is the timing a coincidence? Perhaps. However, it seems to indicate something of a gag order from the recently-fired head coach. Bobby Petrino is free!
The post landed at about 4:00 p.m. CT— 36ish hours after Jimbo Fisher was relieved of his duties.
Prior to Monday, Petrino had not posted on social media since August 17. All nine prior posts after being hired by the Aggies related to his family or past life. None of them referenced his players.
Petrino is one of the most controversial coaches in sports. He and Fisher are two very polarizing personalities who presumably butt heads over the offense throughout their few months together.
For the latter to hire the former was a big deal. It was expected to be the spark that Texas A&M needed on offense, a group that currently ranks No. 52 in the country. It was also a rather awkward marriage.
There was some contention between the two that was visible throughout the preseason. Fisher refused to hand the offense over to Petrino at first. He eventually conceded.
To see Petrino post on X for the first time since August on the day after Fisher was fired is rather telling. It gives the impression that he was under strict rule about his day-to-day operations and what he was or was not allowed to do.
Right or wrong, the suppression theory creates a hilarious mental image. Fisher might have told Petrino to stay off of social media all season. As soon as Fisher was fired, Petrino posted on social media.
The funniest-possible outcome would involve a win in each of the last two games of the season. It would be very ironic if Petrino’s offense had massive day against an FCS opponent and LSU to finish the year with back-to-back wins without Fisher.