The Arizona Wildcats have found their next head coach. On Sunday night, the university named former Texas A&M and University of Houston coach Kevin Sumlin as the next head coach of the Wildcats.
NFL.com reporter Gil Brandt was among the first to report the hire on Sunday afternoon.
#YESSIR!!
We're excited to announce we have selected Kevin Sumlin (@CoachSumlin) to lead @ArizonaFBall into the future. #BearDown
READ: https://t.co/fDRIUYNuv0 pic.twitter.com/9lIpDK8Irn
— Arizona Athletics (@AZATHLETICS) January 15, 2018
Sumlin replaces Rich Rodriguez, who was fired earlier this month after allegations of misconduct. It had been also been reported earlier in the week that Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo was the front runner to get the position but the school had confirmed that Niumatalolo was going to stay with the Midshipmen in 2018.
Sumlin was fired at the end of the regular season at Texas A&M after the Aggies finished 7-5 in 2017. In his six seasons in College Station, Sumlin compiled a 51-26 record.
“This is a tremendous day for Arizona Football and I am thrilled to welcome Kevin to our family,” said University of Arizona Athletic Director Dave Heeke in a release. “He is a proven winner who will have an immediate impact on not only our football program, but also on our department and University. An accomplished coach and an excellent recruiter, Kevin shares our vision and values and fits with who we are and who we want to be. His commitment to academics and to community service are a testament to his character. I have no doubt that Kevin will bring an exciting brand of football to Tucson and that championships will follow.”
“I am humbled and honored to join the Arizona Family,” said Sumlin in that relase. “With a strong foundation already in place, we will work quickly to assemble an elite coaching staff and immediately begin the work of establishing our culture, recruiting future Wildcats, and connecting with Wildcats past and present. We will win championships. We will graduate our players and they will contribute to the University in many ways while they are here. We will represent Arizona with class and pride. I want to thank President Robbins and Dave Heeke for the opportunity to be a part of something special and I cannot wait to get started.”
Per a release from the school, Sumlin will be introduced as the next head coach of the Wildcats at 10 a.m. MST on Tuesday.
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