Sumlin to be hired as Houston coach

University of Houston athletic director Dave Maggard told the Houston Chronicle today that will he will introduce Oklahoma co-offensive coordinator Kevin Sumlin at a noon news conference Friday as the new head football coach. On Wednesday, the Chronicle reported that Maggard had resumed talks with Sumlin, 43, and that Notre Dame offensive coordinator Michael Haywood was no longer a candidate. On Tuesday, it was reported that the Cougars were down to former UH and Oilers coach Jack Pardee, 71, and Haywood as the final two candidates. Houston is preparing for its Dec. 28 matchup against TCU in the Texas Bowl under interim head coach Chris Thurmond, who was on Art Briles' staff. Briles resigned at UH on Nov. 28 to become head coach at Baylor.