Jedd Fisch’s decision to leave the University of Arizona for the University of Washington did not go over well in Tucson. However, business is business and college football is a business.
The 47-year-old head coach recently explained that his departure stemmed from two pretty major factors that comes back to one main sentiment. There was more opportunity for success in Seattle with an athletic department that is willing to put its full support behind Fisch’s program.
It was not easy to leave!
First of all, we loved Tucson. We loved our players and all of those players who came to Arizona signed with our staff. The whole team was signed by us. When I made the decision to take the job, I knew how many people I could help. I knew how many people I could take (to Washington).
Selfishly, I could have stayed in Arizona. I would have been compensated really well. I think my contract would have been signed somewhere between February and May of the coming year. Hopefully, with the financial situation, it all would have been taken care of.
— Jedd Fisch, via The Athletic
Even though Fisch would have signed a new contract with the Wildcats that would have likely made him the highest-paid coach in school history, the opportunity with the Huskies was better. Both for him and other members of his staff.
Financially, Fisch said that Washington provided him with a salary pool for his assistant coaches that is $3.5 million greater than what was provided at Arizona. He is going to take as many of his assistants with him as possible, and they will get paid more to make the move.
Jedd Fish also wants to win.
Perhaps most importantly is the outlook for success.
I was fully committed to (Arizona). Then an opportunity came to join the Big Ten and coach for the national championship runner-up. It was an opportunity I had to say yes to. And I wanted to say yes, I want to be very clear on that.
— Jedd Fisch, via The Athletic
Whether the folks in the Grand Canyon State want to admit it or not, the idea of coaching a proven program in the Big Ten is better than trying to build something special in the Big 12. The Huskies’ plan for the transition to their new conference, coupled with the resources that are dedicated to assistants, and what Fisch referred to as “player welfare,” the decision to make the jump was a no-brainer.
Money is one thing. Winning is another. And the former comes with the latter.
It’s really as simple as that. Washington is a better program than Arizona with what sounds like more support and direction from the athletic department.
Jedd Fisch wasn’t trying to bolt from Tucson. He wasn’t trying to hurt any feelings. He saw a better opportunity and took it while it was offered to him.