College Station, TX

Kevin Sumlin, an assistant coach at A&M from 2001-02, is expected to make a return to College Station this time as the new head football coach of the Aggies.

Sumlin, 47, at the helm at the University of Houston since 2008, is close to finalizing a contract with A&M, and could named as the Aggies new coach over the weekend, according to the San Antonio Express-News, citing a source.

Sumlin, credited for establishing Houston as a national contender in Conference USA, was A&M's top choice to replace Mike Sherman, who was dismissed on Dec. 1 after going 6-6 on the season.

Sherman compiled a 25-25 mark in over four seasons with the Aggies.

The choice of Sumlin became apparent after Mark Richt elected to stay in Georgia, declining A&M's offer to be its next coach, the Express-News reported.

It will mark as the second tour for Sumlin, who was part of the A&M coaching staff from 2001-02. He served as the Aggies offensive coordinator under R.C. Slocum.

He also served as offensive coordinator for five years (2003-07) at Oklahoma under Bob Stoops.

Sumlin has guided the Cougars to a 35-17 record over the last four seasons. This season, the Cougars went undefeated but succumbed to Southern Mississippi in the conference title game.

Apart from Sumlin, other candidates reportedly considered and interviewed were new North Carolina coach Larry Fedora (then at Southern Miss), Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart and Air Force coach Troy Calhoun.

It is unclear if Georgia's Richt actually interviewed for the position, Express-News reported.

Meanwhile, the Aggies are preparing for their New Year's Eve appearance against Northwestern in the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas, in Houston.

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