Claim: In 2011, Sumlin coached Houston to a 12–0 start before losing the Conference USA Championship Game to the Southern Miss Golden Eagles; then on December 10, 2011, Sumlin told his players he was leaving Houston, effective immediately, in order to accept a job at another school.
Evidence: The Cougars finished the regular season 12–0, setting a new school record for wins. It was also the first undefeated and untied regular season in the program's 66-year history; however, the team lost to Southern Miss 49–28 in the 2011 Conference USA Football Championship Game. The 2011 Southern Miss Golden Eagles football team represented the University of Southern Mississippi in the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season. On December 10, 2011, Sumlin told his players he was leaving Houston, effective immediately, in order to accept a job at another school. 
In 2011, Sumlin coached Houston to a 12–0 start before losing the Conference USA Championship Game to the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. On December 10, 2011, Sumlin told his players he was leaving Houston, effective immediately, in order to accept a job at another school.