Former Texas A&M, Arizona coach Kevin Sumlin receives probation in Florida DUI case

Penalties have been handed down to current Maryland co-offensive coordinator and associate head coach Kevin Sumlin following his DUI arrest last October according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Sumlin has pleaded no contest to a reduced charge stemming from his October arrest in Hillsborough County, Florida last fall. Receiving one year of probation on the lesser misdemeanor charge of reckless driving with alcohol as a significant factor along with a $500 fine and enrollment in an adult DUI school, per the Times and Hillsborough County court records.

His arrest took place during Maryland’s bye week last season, arrested around 1 a.m. ET on U.S. Highway 301 in Tampa, Florida. There was no crash or damage to property, but according to the Times report, Sumlin was in a gray Nissan sedan that was parked illegally at a RaceTrac. Where he refused a breathalyzer test and reportedly had “unsteady” balance and “multiple signs of impairments.”

Sumlin also coaches Maryland’s tight ends and did not join the team for the week ahead of their game against Northwestern following his arrest and also faced disciplinary action from the Maryland program.

“Maryland Athletics is aware of the incident this past weekend involving football coach Kevin Sumlin,” the athletic department said the Monday following Sumlin’s arrest. “As this is an ongoing investigation, we will have no further comment.”

The 59-year-old Sumlin joined the Terrapin’s staff in 2023, returning to college football following a one-year stint as a head coach and general manager for the Houston Gamblers in the USFL. Previously spending three seasons as the head coach for Arizona and most notably six seasons as the head coach for Texas A&M. Starting off his head coaching career with a four-year tenure at Houston.

Sumlin’s arrest occurred in the midst of his first season with Maryland under head coach Mike Locksley, who reacted to the news back in October.

“It’s disappointing. You know, as coaches we have to set the example and model the behavior that we want our players [to have] and we take it very seriously,” Locksley said. “At the same time, I will also say he’s part of our football family and we’re going to support Kevin.”

Sumlin remains on Maryland’s staff following his arrest and the team’s 8-5 record last season. With Sumlin posting a 9-20 record as Arizona’s head coach before being fired in the middle of the shortened 2020 season, a 51–26 record at Texas A&M highlighted by coaching star quarterback Johnny Manziel, and a 35–17 record for the Houston Cougars from 2008-2011.