Texas A&M and Kevin Sumlin reach agreement on new six-year contract

Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin, whose name has been linked to the opening at USC, has reached an agreement on a new six-year contract with A&M, the school announced Saturday.

“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,” athletic director Eric Hyman said in a release. “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.”

Sumlin has a 19-5 record in his two seasons with the Aggies and led the school to its first Top 5 finish in 56 seasons in 2012, a year in which he was named SEC Coach of the Year by the AP.

“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.”

Prior to being hired by A&M, Sumlin led the University of Houston to a school-record 12 wins in 2011 in his sixth and final year coaching the Cougars.

Sumlin was considered USC’s top target to be the Trojans’ next head coach as they hope to find a replacement for Lane Kiffin.

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