Is Texas A&M’s patience with coach Kevin Sumlin running out?
By John Brasier
Published:
Texas A&M’s record may have to improve next year to save Kevin Sumlin’s job as coach.
Three straight disappointing seasons — including second-half collapses the past two seasons — are making Aggies administrators, boosters and fans restless.
The optimism of Sumlin’s first season, which featured a victory over Alabama and a Heisman Trophy for Johnny Manziel, has faded into disappointment with a familiar pattern.
Kenny Hill started fast in 2014 as Manziel’s replacement, throwing for more than 500 yards in a season-opening victory at South Carolina. But he slumped and was replaced by Kyle Allen.
This season, Allen started fast as the Aggies raced to a 5-0 start then struggled and was replaced by Jake Hubenak and freshman Kyler Murray.
Since going 11-2 in 2012 in Manziel’s Heisman season, the Aggies have posted 9-4, 8-5 and 8-4 (with a bowl game remaining) records, respectively.
The Aggies’ quarterback play has been inconsistent, their running game has been almost non-existent. And the defense has been up and down.
Though winning the SEC’s tough West Division, which includes traditional powers Alabama, Auburn and LSU, would be a difficult task, Aggies supporters expect the team to compete for the division title. Stadium expansion and improvements costing $485 million has pushed capacity at Kyle Field to more than 110,000.
In the last three years, the Aggies are 3-0 against Arkansas, 2-1 against Mississippi State and 1-2 against Ole Miss. But they’re 0-3 against both Alabama and LSU and 1-2 against Auburn.
Sumlin seems safe this year with four more guaranteed years at $5 million a year. But offensive coordinator Jake Spavital could be dismissed as a concession after two straight years of quarterback problems.
The Aggies running game averaged only 4.42 yards per play in 2015, down from 4.63 in 2014 and 5.17 in 2013. The Aggies ran for 2,060 yards this season — down from 3,147 yards in 2012.
Texas A&M did have a solid running threat in Tra Carson this season. Carson has rushed for 1,059 yards — the Aggies’ top running backs the previous two years topped out below 600 yards.
The Aggies defense has improved since the Manziel era. The Aggies allowed 30 points or more only once all season — against No. 2 Alabama. The Aggies allowed 34 points or more in six games in 2014 and 28 points in two others.
Defensive stars Myles Garrett and Donovan Wilson will return next season. The Aggies lose only four starters on defense and three on offense.
Next season should be crucial to Sumlin’s tenure in College Station.
High expectations came with stadium expansion and $41 million in improvements to the Bright Football Complex. Sumlin has brought in highly rated recruiting classes. His coaching staff is paid more than $9 million.
It’s time for Texas A&M’s investments in Sumlin and facilities to pay off.
