Chronicle: Sumlin set to be fired

Texas A&M Coach Kevin Sumlin will be fired after Saturday night’s game at LSU, the Houston Chronicle reported, even if the Aggies beat the Tigers.

Sumlin said on Wednesday’s SEC coaches teleconference he hasn’t talked to Texas A&M Athletic Director Scott Woodward about his future, but the report of his imminent firing doesn’t come as a surprise.

Woodward said on the SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum Show last spring that Sumlin knew he had to win more games after three consecutive 8-5 finishes, and the Aggies are 7-4.

So Sumlin went into this season on the hot seat and the speculation about his job security intensified after UCLA rallied from a 34-point deficit to beat Texas A&M 45-44 in the season opener.

“It’s not like we haven’t dealt with this since the spring,” Sumlin said when asked about the Chronicle report. “I think our team has done a really nice job of focusing on the games at hand, and we’ll continue to do that.

“We’ll deal with it the way we’ve dealt with everything this year, and we’ll continue with business as usual.”

Sumlin said the situation he’s found himself in all season has been a good learning experience for his players.

“This isn’t just about football,” he said. “You try to teach lessons, and dealing with adversity. That’s what life’s about.”

According to the Chronicle, Florida State Coach Jimbo Fisher is Texas A&M’s top choice to replace Sumlin, who will be owed a $10 million buyout if he’s fired.

LSU Coach Ed Orgeron said he’s aware of the report Sumlin will be fired.

“You hear it, but I don’t pay attention to it,” Orgeron said. “I wish the best for Kevin Sumlin. He’s a good man. I know a lot of the coaches on that staff. They’ve done a good job.

“But those are things I stay out of. We’ve got a big game to play and I know we’re going to get their best effort.

“So I need to focus on the LSU football team and us only.”