Speculation about where Kevin Sumlin will call home in 2014 can be put to rest.
Turns out he's not looking to move.
Sumlin has agreed in principle to a new six-year contract with Texas A&M, the school's athletic director, Eric Hyman, announced Saturday. The school said terms of the contract are pending approval by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. CBSSports first reported Sumlin had recommitted to the school.
"Coach Sumlin has demonstrated why he is considered among the nation's elite football coaches," Hyman said in a statement. "His coaching and recruiting abilities are only secondary to his integrity, class and passion for his student-athletes and this University. 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 been linked to the USC job and has even been mentioned among candidates to move from college to the NFL.
"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 in a statement. "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."
As NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah pointed out, this could be good news for USC interim head coach Ed Orgeron. Sumlin was rumored to be the top target of USC athletic director Pat Haden, and Orgeron has built a compelling case to keep the job.
Of course, it's excellent news for TAMU, too. Last season Sumlin led the Aggies to their first top-five finish in 56 seasons and the team is ranked 21st heading into Saturday's game against Missouri. He has a 19-5 record since taking the job before last season.
