Well, this was a fun coaching search detour. At one point, all signs were pointing towards the Texas A&M Aggies hiring Houston head coach Kevin Sumlin. And then, out of nowhere, a rumor popped up indicating the Aggies were targeting Mark Richt. If you thought the Richt rumors seemed less than plausible, you were correct.
The whole thing has come full circle now: Richt reportedly shot down A&M and Sumlin is back in the mix, according to Brett Zwerneman.
A high-ranking A&M insider told me Richt has declined Ags' offer and Kevin Sumlin is likely choice, anncmnt as soon as Sat. #mysa
And much like every other coaching search, all parties involved are heading home with a prize. Richt, for having his name floated, will probably end up with a raise. Sumlin may end up getting the A&M job and a likely raise with after all, though this is a bit of an awkward situation considering he now knows the Aggies were flirting with Richt. Houston ... well, almost everyone wins.
For more on the Bulldogs, visit SB Nation Atlanta and Dawg Sports. For more on the Aggies, visit Texas A&M blog I Am The 12th Man. And check in with our 2011 Coaching Carousel Tracker.