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. 

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 Julia 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.