Sports Shorts

Taking the Cougar Lead

He’s a man of strong character,” says UH Athletics Director Dave Maggard. “I felt the need to have someone who will set high expectations with us and meet the high expectations we have here. The vision is for us to reclaim our position in the national picture.”

That man is Kevin Sumlin…chosen to lead the Cougar football program as its eleventh head coach.

Sumlin is the first African American to lead a Division I-Football Bowl program in Texas.
“This is a great university and a great city,” says the forty-three-year-old Sumlin. “I plan to bring energy and excitement to the program as well as an aggressive style of offense and defense. What excited me about coming to Houston was a chance to play for a championship every year.”

The Indianapolis native coached in nine bowl games including five at University of Oklahoma (2008 Fiesta, 2007 Fiesta, 2005 Holiday, 2005 Orange, 2004 Sugar), one at Texas A&M University (2002 GalleryFurniture.com), and three at Purdue University (2002 Rose, 2000 Outback, 1998 Alamo).

A four-year letterman as a linebacker at Purdue (1983–86), Sumlin finished his career among the top 10 in tackles for the Boilermakers. He was named to Sports Illustrated’s All-America Walk-on List as a freshman after leading Purdue with ninety-one tackles. Sumlin was twice named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten while leading Purdue in tackles as both a junior and senior. He also helped lead the Boilermakers to the 1984 Peach Bowl.

Sumlin graduated from Purdue in 1986 with a bachelor’s in criminology and liberal arts. He and his wife, Charlene, have four children: Courtney, Shelby, Jackson, and J.R.