The transfer of his two top quarterbacks has Kevin Sumlin on the hot seat at Texas A&M, and one report says some school administrators are looking into the possibility of buying out the coach.
Horns Digest’s Chip Brown reports that Texas A&M chancellor John Sharp is looking into the possibility of terminating Sumlin’s contract, which runs through 2019.
Sumlin, 51, finalized a six-year extension two years ago that bumped his pay to $5 million, calls for him to pay a $5 million penalty if he leaves before 2016, and for him to receive a $20 million buyout from the school if they want him out.
A&M, which has poured money into the football program including a remodel of Kyle Stadium, updated athletic facilities and more, is unhappy with the direction of the program.
Since going 11-2 in Sumlin’s first year, the program slipped to 9-4 and then 8-5 last year. The Aggies are currently 8-4 and would end up with a second consecutive 8-5 season with a loss in the Music City Bowl.
Texas A&M is said to be looking into whether they can find a way to fire Sumlin without cause, which would preclude them from paying his hefty buyout. That seems like it would prove to be a difficult task.
And how much would A&M like to change the direction of the program? They reportedly have their eye on Tom Herman, who has gone 12-1 in his first season at Houston, and Larry Fedora, who has led North Carolina to an 11-2 season.
Sumlin has such a favorable contract because he was a hot commodity following his 11-2 inaugural season at A&M and the year after. He was in the mix for various NFL jobs and other college spots, leading the Aggies to give him big money to keep him in College Station. They seem to be regretting that now.
Texas A&M has seen top quarterbacks Kyle Allen and Kyler Murray announce transfers in the past week. Both were said to have trust issues with Sumlin. Though they have top quarterback recruit Tate Martell lined up for 2017, one has to wonder whether Sumlin will be around for that.
