Could Kevin Sumlin turn the tables and fire Texas A&M?
At this time last year, many wondered if Kevin Sumlin's days in College Station were numbered.
A five-loss 2015 season continued the downward trend for Sumlin's program, and it seemed like only his massive buyout was stopping the Aggies from firing him.
A 7-1 start this year cooled Sumlin's seat, but maybe it's now time for Sumlin to put Texas A&M on the chopping block.
Here's why:
Four straight losses to close the 2016 regular season means Sumlin probably begins 2017 with questions about his job security not far off the radar, and that's not good considering how next year's Aggies are shaping up.
Texas A&M is about to lose several top players who just so happen to play very important positions. Quarterback Trevor Knight and left tackle Avery Gennesy are seniors, while star defensive end Myles Garrett is a virtual lock to go to the NFL, where he's a projected top-10 draft pick.
Forget Garrett for a moment: We've seen what happens when Texas A&M doesn't have a viable quarterback. We saw it this year when a shoulder injury forced Knight to the sideline - the Aggies didn't win a game afterward - and next year's quarterback (barring another graduate transfer situation) is probably Jake Hubenak or a true freshman. Neither scenario has worked in Sumlin's favor over the last couple of years.
Add in the fact that there'll be a new blind-side protector next season and the picture looks even more bleak.
With that in mind, now might be the time for Sumlin to look around. The job market isn't great, but it's up to Sumlin to decide if next year's will be much better.
Both Texas and Baylor seem to be looking for a new coach, while whispers of discontent with Kliff Kingsbury are growing at Texas Tech. It's unlikely Sumlin would trade in his SEC job for a Big 12 gig, and perhaps only Texas Tech - the least likely program to have a new coach next year - may view Sumlin as its best possible long-term option.
Would Sumlin consider a move to Purdue, where he played linebacker in the 1980s and coached receivers from 1998-2000? The Boilermakers aren't going to win anything in 2017, but building a winner in the Big Ten West is a lot easier than doing so in the East against the likes of Ohio State and Michigan, and Sumlin would be granted a much longer leash at Purdue than at his current school.
Oregon could have an opening, but the Ducks will probably aim higher than Sumlin if they show Mark Helfrich the door.
Other vacancies could appear once the season ends, but none may be as glamorous as the one Sumlin currently holds.
Still, knowing he could easily find himself back on thin ice next season, Sumlin should at least consider his options this winter. If he doesn't, Texas A&M may force him to do it next winter.