Upon relocating to Houston some fifteen years ago, Kevin Sumlin was one of the first coaches I had the opportunity to cover in the media. At the time, he was leading the Houston Cougars, a program on the verge of something special. That season turned into a historic run, one that saw Houston win 13 regular season games and finish 18th in the coaches poll. Even then, Sumlin was a straight shooter, measured and direct, never leaning too hard on hype. That tone has never changed.
Now, Sumlin is back in the Bayou City once again, this time as head coach of the Houston Gamblers. AllSportsPeople caught up with the former Arizona, Texas A&M, and Houston head coach as he embarks on this latest chapter, and the familiarity of the moment was unmistakable.
“It’s a big opportunity for me personally,” Sumlin said. “I have a lot of friends and people and family in the city of Houston. My daughter is a lawyer there, so it’s a great situation. The fact that we’re playing our home games in Houston makes it even better. It’s a chance to get to know the fans and generate more excitement. I really can’t wait.”
Houston has always been a place where Sumlin’s voice carries. It is where he first emerged as a national name, where his teams played fast and free, and where expectations came with real substance. Now he inherits a different kind of legacy. The Gamblers brand remains etched into the city’s football memory, tied to Astrodome crowds, Jim Kelly, and the Run and Shoot offense that once defined spring football.
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“It’s legendary,” Sumlin said. “You hit the nail on the head. What transpired in the original USFL days was amazing. It’s amazing to think that I’m now going to be a part of that all over again. I think it’s going to be a great experience.”
Nostalgia, however, is not the foundation of his approach. Sumlin made it clear that the work has already begun and that structure matters.
“After this interview, I’m actually heading to another meeting as we’re finalizing a staff and we’re doing a full evaluation of players,” he said. “First thing is finalizing the coordinators, and then we’ll start putting together our roster.”
He also sees opportunity beyond just one team. Across the United Football League, recognizable names and experienced coaches are beginning to give the league real footing.
“There’s a ton of momentum,” Sumlin said. “There’s some new guys and some older guys, and it’s a great blend of energy who know football.”
Fifteen years after first crossing paths in Houston, the setting has changed, but the tone has not. Kevin Sumlin is back where his football story has always made sense.
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