In the two-plus days since the plug was pulled on the Lane Kiffin era, several names have been connected to the opening at USC. Realistically or not, Kevin Sumlin is one of the most prominent names mentioned.
For the first time Tuesday, the Texas A&M head coach addressed the speculation. OK, he somewhat addressed the speculation by stating the fact that his name is connected to such an iconic opening shows that the Aggies football program is headed in the right direction.
“It means you’re winning and doing things the right way,” the coach said according to the San Antonio Express-News.
Coaches such as Sumlin or Steve Sarkisian -- he addressed it yesterday -- or Mike Riley -- he denied interest in the Trojans job today as well -- are in an untenable position when it comes to speculation regarding other jobs. If they flatly and unequivocally deny interest in another job, they’re given a sneering “Saban/Miami/Alabama” and not believed. If they don’t address the situation at all, it’s a sign that OMG he’s considering leaving. If they tap dance around the issue, see OMG again.
I firmly believe Sumlin is one of the top coaches in the country and USC should absolutely pursue him until he’s said no a couple (dozen) times. I also believe that there’s almost no way Sumlin leaves what’s fast becoming one of the prime jobs in the SEC for another college job.
For the NFL? That’s certainly a realistic possibility. For another position at the collegiate level, even one as prestigious as the Trojans? You never say never, but I don’t ever see it happening when it comes to Sumlin.
And my apologies to Aggieland if I just jinxed it.