Kevin Sumlin back in Houston as coach of UFL's Gamblers

Field Level Media|published: Wed 31st December, 11:37 2025

Apr 30, 2022; Birmingham, AL, USA; Houston Gamblers head coach Kevin Sumlin argues with the referees during the first half at Protective Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Kevin Sumlin has been named the head coach of the Houston Gamblers of the United Football League.

It's a return to the city for Sumlin, who coached at the University of Houston (2008-11) before moving on to Texas A&M (2012-17) and Arizona (2018-20).

His combined record at the three schools was 95-63 with seven bowl appearances.

Sumlin, 61, joins the UFL at a time of transition, with three new teams replacing three discontinued teams. The Houston entry, previously known as the Roughnecks, has been rebranded as the Gamblers under new leadership.

Sumlin previously spent one season as the head coach and general manager of Houston's USFL team (2022), then moved back to college football as the associate head coach and co-offensive coordinator/tight ends coach at Maryland for two seasons (2023-24).

"Kevin Sumlin brings an excellent record of success at the head coaching level, especially in the state of Texas, where he has made his mark as a winner," UFL president and CEO Russ Brandon said Wednesday. "It is only appropriate that someone with deep roots in Texas football history takes over Houston as it embarks on a new era as the Gamblers."

Seven of the eight UFL teams now have coaches. The spring league begins play March 27.

--Field Level Media