Key Highlights:

• Veteran college football coach and former collegiate linebacker with more than three decades of experience across NCAA and professional football. 
• Head coach at the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, and the University of Arizona, known for high-powered offenses and program building. 
• Served as head coach and general manager of the Houston Gamblers in the USFL before returning to college coaching, then served as the Gamblers head coach in 2026.

Playing Career (Purdue):

• Linebacker at Purdue University (1983-1986), where he was a four-year starter and amassed significant career tackles. 
• Competed at a high level in the Big Ten and helped Purdue appear in bowl competition. 

Coaching Career:

• Began coaching as a graduate assistant at Washington State (1989-1990) and held assistant roles at Wyoming, Minnesota, Purdue, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma. 
• Named head coach of the University of Houston (2008-2011), posting strong records including a 12-1 season.
• Took over at Texas A&M (2012-2017), achieving a 51-26 record with multiple bowl appearances and historic wins in the SEC. 
• Served as head coach at the University of Arizona (2018-2020), continuing his leadership at the Power 5 level. 
• Head Coach and general manager of the Houston Gamblers (USFL) in 2022. 
• Most recently served as associate head coach, co-offensive coordinator, and tight ends coach at the University of Maryland (2023-2024). 

Personal Life:

• Born August 3, 1964, in Brewton, Alabama, and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana.
• Married to Julie Higgins Sumlin with four children: Courtney, Shelby, Jackson, and Joey.
• Known for his leadership off the field and commitment to player development and mentorship throughout his coaching career.