Hours ahead of Saturday night’s regular-season finale at Missouri (7:45 p.m. ET, ESPN), Texas A&M already has its best news of the day. The school has announced a six-year contract extension with head coach Kevin Sumlin.
“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,” Hyman said in the school’s 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.”
This is Sumlin’s second contract amendment in not yet two complete seasons in College Station. In late February, Sumlin got a raise to $3.1 million from his original $2 million on a contract running through 2017. Terms of the extension were not released and are pending Texas A&M Board of Regents approval, but it’s safe to assume Sumlin will no longer be the fifth-highest paid coach in the SEC.
“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. 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,” said Sumlin.
Sumlin is 19-5 at Texas A&M, and led the Aggies to a win in the 2012 Cotton Bowl. He is 54-22 overall in six seasons as a head coach.
Hyman didn't offer any new numbers on Sumlin contract and said those are forthcoming (including new buyout).
— Brent Zwerneman (@BrentZwerneman) December 1, 2013
Hyman said he hadn't been contacted by other programs concerning Sumlin but added "that's not how things are done anymore" anyway.
— Brent Zwerneman (@BrentZwerneman) December 1, 2013