In what could be termed as a mega surprise for the entire college soccer fraternity, news has suddenly broken that Kevin Sumlin, the ex-head coach of Texas A&M Aggies, is returning back to the institution as an Assistant Head Coach. The announcement, which many fans and alumni have celebrated, is expected since most fans relate Sumlin with some of the biggest moments in the history of Aggies football.
The Journey Back to College Station
As head coach at Texas A&M, Kevin Sumlin covered the period 2012 to 2017, leaving indelible footprints in the sands of time through events such as the 2012 season during which Aggies received national acclaim from the college football world for knocking off juggernaut Alabama and finishing with an 11-2 record in their inaugural SEC season under Heisman-winning quarterback Johnny Manziel.
He left Texas A&M in 2017 to serve at the University of Arizona before making his transition into the USFL, gaining greater perspective and expertise in both leadership and play-calling. Returning to Texas A&M spells homecoming for a program in which Sumlin was once a national figure.
Strategy for Texas A&M
Sumlin’s coming back as Assistant Head Coach spells a strategic opportunistic moment for current head football coach Mike Elko, who is using the years of working deep into the program for further use of that experience. Sumlin has made a name for himself on offense and securing elite talent with an outstanding return to the coaching staff of Aggies, offering further invaluable resources to players and coaches.
Elko was excited by the news released by Texas A&M:
“Kevin Sumlin is a phenomenal coach and a leader who can understand what it takes to achieve success here at Texas A&M. Knowing that, he brings experience, vision and passion for this program to play important roles in accomplishing our goals for this season-and beyond.”
Fan Reaction Here- Nostalgia and optimism mixed:
Aggie fans, on the other hand have shared feeling on nostalgia and a breath of renewed hope after soaking up this news about Sumlin returning. These reactions have hit the social media pages like wild fire:
“Coach Sumlin back at A&M? This is huge! Can’t wait to see what he brings to the table alongside Coach Elko!”
“Sumlin’s best years were at A&M, and I’m glad to see him coming home. Let’s make magic again!”
“Not sure how to feel but if he can bring some of that 2012 magic then I’m all for it!”
While there are naysayers, particularly with the mixed blessing of his last years at A&M, I guess the overwhelming sentiment is that everybody is feeling positive.
A Track Record-proved Leader:
Sumlin has always been reputed for being a coach for the players while also having an extraordinary ability in relating to young athletes; in his former stint at Texas A&M, he helped develop a number of players who have made it to the NFL, including Johnny Manziel, Mike Evans, and Jake Matthews.
His offensive systems have been praised for their creativity and adaptability, which may come in handy as Texas A&M reshapes its offense and prepares for SEC challenges.
Challanges and Opportunities Sumlin returns to a different Texas A&M program than the one he left. Assistant Head Coach comes with big expectations, as the Aggies hope to solidly establish themselves as a powerhouse in the SEC.
His pedigree will prove critical in recruiting, an area where Texas A&M has traditionally excelled. The Aggies are now able to have a competitive edge in a highly contested SEC landscape by combining this asset with Coach Elko’s vision for the program.
What’s Next for Texas A&M?
Now that Sumlin is back, it becomes a time to watch how the Aggies prepare for a potentially watershed season. The timing couldn’t be better for someone joining the program during such a transitional phase as the team tries to gain some traction and get returned into that elite level of contention.
Supporters and analysts are eager to see how this return will affect the team’s overall performance, especially in the offense. Blending its coaching staff with a strong dose of experience with new bloods create a perfect scenario for Texas A&M in the coming season.
Final say
Returning to Texas A&M as an Assistant Head Coach signals a major turning point for both coach and program: For Sumlin, a comeback to a university where he had had much of his top success; for Texas A&M, a way to tap into the experience of a proven leader while the team goes forward. .
The Aggies find themselves in anticipation of a grueling road yet again, but one thing is sure. Kevin Sumlin has awakened the passion and anticipation in College Station once again. Fans shall, as surely as day follows night, keep their eyes glued to this development and hope for renewed vigor within Aggies football glory.
