Texas A&M’s 12th Man Foundation Sees Drop in Donations, Likely Tied to Jimbo Fisher’s Buyout
Texas A&M’s 12th Man Foundation, the university’s primary fundraising arm for athletics, recently reported a noticeable decline in donor contributions—a shift many believe is directly tied to the staggering $76 million buyout paid to former head football coach Jimbo Fisher. The financial implications of the buyout have raised concerns among donors and stakeholders, potentially impacting the athletic department’s broader funding landscape in the near term.
Fisher was relieved of his duties in November 2023 after a series of disappointing seasons despite high expectations and a hefty contract extension signed in 2021. The decision to part ways with Fisher came with a historic price tag, the largest buyout ever paid to a college football coach. While the university has maintained that the funds for the buyout were covered by a group of private donors, the optics of such an enormous expenditure appear to have reverberated through the broader donor community.
The 12th Man Foundation’s latest financial disclosures show a dip in annual giving compared to previous years. While fundraising cycles can fluctuate due to various factors—including team performance, economic trends, and donor fatigue—this year’s downturn is widely attributed to backlash and frustration following the buyout. For many longtime supporters, the perception that millions were spent on a coaching transition, with no immediate return on investment, was difficult to reconcile.
“There’s definitely been a cooling effect,” said one donor familiar with the foundation’s operations. “People are still passionate about Aggie athletics, but there’s also a sense of caution now. Folks want to know how their money is being used.”
In years past, the 12th Man Foundation has played a crucial role in funding everything from facility upgrades and scholarships to coaching salaries and recruitment efforts. The decline in contributions could potentially slow some of these initiatives, particularly those not already locked into long-term capital campaigns.
University officials have attempted to reassure donors and fans that the program is moving in a positive direction under new head coach Mike Elko, whose hiring was seen as a move toward stability and accountability. Elko, a former defensive coordinator for the Aggies, is well-regarded for his coaching acumen and ability to maximize talent, which could help rebuild trust among the donor base.
Still, rebuilding confidence takes time. For the 12th Man Foundation, that may mean increasing transparency, improving communication with donors, and demonstrating tangible progress on the field and in the athletic department’s fiscal management.
If Texas A&M can show improvement both on the scoreboard and in financial stewardship, the dip in donations may prove temporary. But if uncertainty continues to cloud the football program and broader athletic initiatives, the university could face longer-term challenges in sustaining the generous donor support that has helped fuel its rise in the ultra-competitive SEC.
For now, the foundation is in a reflective moment—reassessing its approach and working to re-engage its base. With loyal alumni and one of the most passionate fanbases in college sports, Texas A&M has the foundation to recover—but it must do so with renewed clarity and purpose.
