6 winning seasons not enough as Texas A&M fires Kevin Sumlin

The Associated Press

7 years ago

LSU coach Ed Orgeron, right, greets Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin after an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. LSU won 45-21. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin reacts on the sideline during the first half of the team’s NCAA college football game against LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M has fired coach Kevin Sumlin after six winning seasons.

The first black head coach in program history was 51-26 and never had a losing season. But his first year at A&M was his best, and he never could come close to matching it.

In 2012, Sumlin had a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback in Johnny Manziel and ushered in the program’s move from the Big 12 to the Southeastern Conference by going 11-2. That earned him a new contract and $5 million per year salary, but the Aggies have not won more than nine games since.

The Aggies ended their regular season on Saturday by losing to LSU. They dropped to 7-5 and finish 4-4 in the SEC for the fourth time under Sumlin.

The 53-year-old Sumlin had two years left on his contract.