Over the past couple of months, Kevin Sumlin has been mentioned as USC’s top target as a permanent replacement for Lane Kiffin. The NFL was also expected to come calling on the Texas A&M coach.
Apparently, though, you can cross one huge name off this year’s version of the coaching carousel.
Just a couple of hours before the kick-off of its regular-season finale, A&M announced that it has reached an agreement in principle on a new six-year contract with Sumlin. While the terms of the new agreement were not released and are pending approval by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, it’s expected Sumlin will receive a significant bump in pay from the $3.1 million he earned in 2013.
“Coach Sumlin has demonstrated why he is considered among the nation’s elite football coaches. His coaching and recruiting abilities are only secondary to his integrity, class and passion for his student-athletes and this University,” A&M athletic director Eric Hyman said in a statement. “Texas A&M is making a sincere commitment to Kevin. We are fortunate that he is committed to remain an Aggie for a long time to come, and we are excited about what the future has in store.”
In nearly two full seasons in College Station, Sumlin has guided the Aggies to a 19-5 overall mark and a 10-5 record in SEC play. Of the five conference losses since leaving the Big 12, four have come by a touchdown or less.
“I am humbled and very appreciative of the commitment that Texas A&M has extended not only to me and my family, but to our football program overall,” Sumlin said. “We have only just begun to lay the foundation for sustained, long-term success here at Texas A&M, and we will work hard every day to make this great institution and the 12th Man proud.”
