Texas A&M regent calls for Sumlin's firing

Sep 4, 2017 - 8:24 PM Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin has faced criticism for late-season implosions but blowing a 34-point lead and losing to UCLA on Sunday might have been the final straw for a school regent.

Houston attorney Tony Buzbee wrote a lengthy Facebook post after the Aggies lost 45-44 in the Rose Bow on Sunday night on a fake spike play by Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen.

On Facebook, Buzbee wrote:

"I'm sure I may be criticized for this post but I honestly don't care. I've been on the Board of Regents for the A&M System for almost seven years. During that time, I've not once commented on Kevin Sumlin and his performance during his tenure at our school. I never said a word when he and his agent manipulated a much bigger and longer contract. I said nothing about his arrogance and his mishandling of multiple player controversies. I said nothing when we had multiple awesome recruiting classes, only to see key players leave our school or underperform.

"But tonight I am very disappointed and I have to say this. Kevin Sumlin was out-coached tonight, which isn't new. He recruits well, but can't coach the big games, or the close games. Our players were better tonight. Our players were more talented tonight. But our coaches were dominated on national TV, yet again. I'm only one vote on the Board of Regents but when the time comes my vote will be that Kevin Sumlin needs to GO.

"In my view he should go now. We owe it to our school and our players. We can do better."

Buzbee confirmed to the Houston Chronicle that he wrote the post.

Sumlin is 44-22 since taking the job in 2012. He was 11-2 when Johnny Manziel led A&M to a Cotton Bowl victory but the Aggies were 9-4 in 2013 and have compiled 8-5 marks in each of the previous three seasons.

He has two years remaining on his contract that pays him $5 million per year.

The Aggies missed several plays that might have averted the collapse Sunday and allowed Rosen to throw for four touchdowns in the final quarter to overcome a 27-point deficit.

With 8:12 remaining, cornerback Deshawn Capers-Smith nearly intercepted a pass but the ball sailed through his hands to Darren Andrews for a 42-yard touchdown.

With 4:41 remaining, kicker Braden Mann missed a 43-yard field goal when UCLA defensive back Adarius Pickett tipped the ball.

With 20 seconds remaining, quarterback Kellen Mond was stopped short of the first-down marker on a scramble on the final offensive play for the Aggies, allowing the Bruins to close out the biggest FBS comeback since 2006.