Sumlin agrees to six-year deal

The drama is over. After months of rumors linking him to the coaching jobs at USC and the Houston Texans, Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin has agreed to a new six-year contract to stay in Aggieland.

The deal, which must be approved by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, was finalized Saturday. A&M did not disclose terms of the contract in a statement announcing the agreement.

"Coach Sumlin has demonstrated why he is considered among the nation's elite football coaches. His coaching and recruiting abilities are only secondary to his integrity, class and passion for his student-athletes and this University," Athletic Director Eric Hyman said. "Texas A&M is making a sincere commitment to Kevin. We are fortunate that he is committed to remain an Aggie for a long time to come, and we are excited about what the future has in store."

Sumlin, whose 19 wins are the most any A&M coach has compiled in his first two years on the job, said he pleased to have the contract negotiations completed.

"I am humbled and very appreciative of the commitment that Texas A&M has extended not only to me and my family, but to our football program overall," he said. "We have only just begun to lay the foundation for sustained, long-term success here at Texas A&M, and we will work hard every day to make this great institution and the 12th Man proud."

In his first season at A&M, Sumlin was the AP's SEC Coach of the Year and was named co-Coach of the Year by his SEC peers. In six seasons as a head coach at Houston and Texas A&M, Sumlin has a career record of 54-22.

Sumlin's agreement to remain at A&M provides the No. 19 Aggies (8-3, 4-3 SEC) some stability not only on the coaching front, but in recruiting as well. The Aggies currently have 18 commits for the 2014 recruiting class, including 12 four-stars or better, good for third overall in the Rivals.com rankings. The 2015 recruiting class is off to an extremely impressive start, with all five current commits ranked as four-stars.