Kevin Sumlin: Latest News, Rumors Surrounding Texas A&M Coach's Future

With so much turmoil around the Texas A&M Aggies football program, head coach Kevin Sumlin's status is up in the air.

Continue for updates. 

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Sumlin Reportedly Looking for Pro Opportunity

Sunday, Jan. 3

Michael Silver of NFL.com reported Sumlin, along with UCLA head coach Jim Mora are "trying hard to get to the NFL."

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Sharp Disputes Sumlin Report

Friday, Dec. 18

Brent Zwerneman of the Houston Chronicle reported Texas A&M chancellor John Sharp refuted a report by Chip Brown of Horns Digest claiming he was exploring the possibility of firing Sumlin. Sharp called the claims a "fairy tale" and "completely false," saying they could be "out of the imagination" of the reporter.

During an appearance on Sports Talk with Bo Mattingly, Brown said Sharp "is unhappy with the direction of the program and is working to terminate [Sumlin’s] contract."

Brown added Sharp will try to find a way around Sumlin's substantial $20 million buyout, per Mattingly. Brown also said athletic director Eric Hyman's job could be in jeopardy as well, according to Mattingly.

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How Sumlin's Stock Fell

The Aggies lost quarterbacks Kyle Allen and Kyler Murray, as both announced their intentions to transfer recently. 

Murray's departure was a huge surprise, though he expressed his gratitude to everyone associated with the program on Twitter:

"

pic.twitter.com/9scALpH2Hf

— Kyler Murray (@TheKylerMurray) December 18, 2015"

Allen and Murray were two of the most prized quarterback recruits in the country when they were coming out of high school. Allen was a 5-star prospect and the No. 10 overall player in the 2014 class, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

Murray, the jewel of Texas A&M's 2015 recruiting class, was also a 5-star prospect and the best dual-threat quarterback in the nation, according to 247Sports' composite rankings.

Despite being able to reel in talented young players, Sumlin hasn't taken Texas A&M to the top of the SEC. The Aggies have gone from 11 wins in his first season to eight in each of the last two after their loss to Louisville in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30. 

Sumlin came to Texas A&M in December 2011 after a successful stint at Houston. He has led the Aggies to four straight bowl appearances, but the recent departures of two high-profile quarterbacks seem to have severely damaged his standing.

Firing Sumlin seems like a drastic step to take, considering the program hasn't fallen off a cliff, but seeing high-profile talent suddenly deciding to leave has given A&M's decision-makers reason to evaluate the football team more closely.