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Who is Rice Football's Head Coach? | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 21:51 GMT by Sporting News
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Rice Football’s New Head Coach: Sonny Cumbie and the Path Forward

After a turbulent 2022 season that left the Owls on the brink of a coaching vacancy, Rice University turned to a familiar face to steer its football program back onto a winning trajectory. The article from Sporting News outlines the hiring of Sonny Cumbie as Rice’s new head coach, delving into his background, coaching philosophy, and the expectations that come with taking the helm of a program that has struggled for years.

A Familiar Return to Rice

Cumbie is no stranger to Rice. The former Owls quarterback‑coach began his tenure at Rice as a graduate assistant in the early 2000s, later serving as the offensive coordinator from 2014 to 2015. In those years, he helped develop a balanced offense that produced several conference‑ranked quarterbacks. When the Owls’ program fell into disarray, Rice’s administration recognized that someone who understood the institution’s culture and had proven success in the region would be an ideal fit.

The Sporting News article emphasizes that Cumbie’s return to Rice isn’t merely a nostalgic decision. The university’s athletic director highlighted his “deep ties to Texas football and his experience recruiting within the state” as critical assets. “We want a coach who knows where we are playing and can bring in talent that will compete at the level of Conference USA,” the article quotes the AD saying.

Coaching Resumé That Speaks Volumes

Cumbie’s résumé stretches across the South and Midwest. Prior to his stint at Rice, he was the head coach at East Carolina from 2019 to 2022. Under his leadership, the Pirates posted a 13‑3 record in 2020, won a bowl game, and earned a berth in the Conference USA Championship. Cumbie’s tenure at East Carolina earned him two Coach of the Year awards in the conference, and he left the program with a career record of 37‑28, showcasing his ability to build competitive teams in challenging environments.

Earlier in his career, Cumbie served as an offensive assistant at the likes of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Baylor, where he honed a pass‑first offensive scheme that emphasized vertical routes and quick reads. This experience has shaped his coaching philosophy, which the article describes as “fast‑paced, aggressive, and adaptable.” It notes that at Rice, Cumbie plans to continue refining his “dynamic, high‑tempo offense” while integrating a robust defensive plan to match the demands of Conference USA play.

Why the Owls Need a New Direction

Rice’s football program has endured a series of losing seasons. The 2022 campaign ended with a 4‑8 record, the worst in the program’s history, prompting the firing of head coach Darrin Chokwe after two seasons. The article highlights that the Owls have struggled to attract talent and compete against regional powerhouses such as Texas A&M, Baylor, and Houston.

The hiring of Cumbie is seen as a strategic move to rebuild the program from the ground up. The Sporting News notes that Rice’s investment in the coaching staff extends beyond Cumbie; the university also added a new recruiting coordinator and defensive coordinator to bolster the coaching tree. “We’re putting together a team of coaches that can compete with the best in the conference and bring a fresh energy to the program,” the article reports.

Expectations and Immediate Goals

The article lays out several key objectives for Cumbie’s first year:

1. Recruiting Texas Talent – With a recruiting budget of $2 million, Rice is poised to tap into the state’s rich high‑school pipeline. Cumbie’s track record in Texas recruiting is cited as a major reason for his selection.
2. Developing a Balanced Attack – The Owls will need to generate a balanced offense, with the article noting that Cumbie intends to keep his signature passing attack while adding a solid running game.
3. Improving Defensive Play – The new defensive coordinator, formerly of the University of Texas, brings a defensive-minded approach that the article anticipates will help Rice reduce points allowed.
4. Winning in Conference USA – Cumbie’s goal is to bring the Owls back to the top tier of Conference USA, a benchmark that has been out of reach for the program in recent years.

Personal Touch and Cultural Fit

An element that the article stresses is Cumbie’s personality. The Owls’ coaching staff and players are quoted as saying that his “relatable, down‑to‑earth” approach fits the university’s culture. Cumbie has a reputation for building strong relationships with student‑athletes and maintaining a family‑like atmosphere, something that Rice hopes will translate into better on‑field performance.

Looking Ahead

The Sporting News piece concludes with a look to the future. Rice’s schedule includes tough opponents such as the University of Texas and Texas A&M, but also opportunities to test the new system against mid‑tier teams. The article underscores that while a turnaround will not happen overnight, Cumbie’s proven track record and deep regional connections provide a roadmap for sustainable success.

In sum, the article frames Sonny Cumbie’s hiring as a strategic investment in Rice’s football future—a seasoned coach with a clear offensive vision, deep Texas recruiting roots, and a commitment to fostering a supportive team culture. As the Owls prepare for a new era, the Sporting News offers an optimistic outlook that the right leadership can restore Rice to competitiveness on the national stage.