Hours after Ken Niumatalolo said no, it appears Kevin Sumlin said yes. Multiple reports broke early Sunday afternoon the former Texas A&M head coach will take the same position at the University of Arizona. He replaces Rich Rodriguez who was fired by the University earlier this month after sexual harassment allegations were filed against him.
The 53-year-old Sumlin was fired by the Aggies after a 7-5 season. He owns a career record of 86-43 during his six seasons in College Station and four at the University of Houston.
SOURCE: New #Arizona head coach Kevin Sumlin will retain DC Marcel Yates (they worked together at A&M) as Cats defensive coordinator. Noel Mazzone is expected to be the new OC. RBs coach Clarence McKinney also is expected to join staff.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) January 14, 2018
It appears parts of Rodriguez’s staff will be retained. Sumlin will have the immediate benefit of working with quarterback Khalil Tate who burst on the scene last last fall combining for close to 3,000 total yards a sophomore.
Hearing its official. Kevin Sumlin to Arizona. YESSIR!
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) January 14, 2018
Sumlin, who has several recruiting ties to the Valley, becomes the latest new hire in the Pac-12 joining Mario Cristobal (Oregon), Herm Edwards (ASU), Chip Kelly (UCLA) and Jonathan Smith (Oregon State).