The Houston Gamblers have reignited excitement by announcing their 2026 coaching staff, marked by the surprising return of Kevin Sumlin as head coach. After first guiding the Gamblers during the 2022 USFL season, Sumlin is back at the helm to steer the team under the new United Football League (UFL) structure. This renewed commitment aims to bring fresh direction to the Gamblers as they prepare for the upcoming spring football season, holding practice sessions at Pennington Field in Euless, Texas.
The Evolution of Houston’s Coaching Leadership and Team Identity
The Gamblers’ coaching saga has been a rollercoaster since their launch. Kevin Sumlin initially led the squad but stepped down in 2023, handing over to C.J. Johnson, who remained through the USFL-XFL merger phase when the team adopted the Houston Roughnecks branding. However, with the UFL’s new leadership under Mike Repole, the team reverted to the Houston Gamblers’ identity and parted ways with Johnson, creating space for Sumlin’s unexpected comeback alongside a largely revamped staff designed to redefine the team’s competitive edge.
Kevin Sumlin’s Proven Yet Challenging Past in Spring Football
Sumlin’s connection with spring football is extensive but has faced its trials. His first run with the Gamblers in the USFL ended with a 3-7 record, but the squad showed promise by winning their final two games. Beyond spring leagues, Sumlin boasts a notable coaching résumé, including leading the University of Houston from 2008 to 2011, followed by a tenure at Texas A&M from 2012 to 2017, where he coached Johnny Manziel and earned SEC Coach of the Year honors in 2012. He also spent two years as Arizona’s head coach before stepping into professional football coaching with the USFL.
ALL IN ON SUMLIN 🤘
Kevin Sumlin has been named the head coach of the Houston Gamblers. pic.twitter.com/4Xkr8NAG3f
— Houston Gamblers (@UFLGamblers) December 31, 2025
Eric Price Returning as Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach
Eric Price will continue to serve as the Gamblers’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, bringing continuity amid change. Price previously worked with the Houston Roughnecks under C.J. Johnson, helping the team improve from the league’s poorest offense in 2024 to a middle-of-the-pack performance in 2025. His guidance was instrumental in the late-season surge with quarterback Jalan McClendon. Price’s extensive background spans both collegiate and professional football, including roles with the Tulane Green Wave, NFL teams such as the Jets, Chiefs, and Jaguars, and collegiate programs like Alabama.
Marvin Sanders Named Defensive Coordinator to Strengthen Houston’s Defense
Marvin Sanders joins the coaching ranks as Houston’s new defensive coordinator, bringing a wealth of experience from recent years with the Arlington Renegades. Initially a defensive backs coach, Sanders advanced to co-defensive coordinator, helping the Renegades display significant defensive improvement in 2025. His unit included elite players like Ajene Harris, who led the UFL in interceptions, and Jayden Price, now with the New Orleans Saints, who topped the league in pass breakups.
News: The Houston #Gamblers have added Marvin Sanders as Defensive Coordinator, source confirms.
Sanders has spent the last few years with the Renegades on Bob Stoops’ staff, serving as DC this past #UFL season.
Kevin Sumlin with a strong, veteran add for Houston. pic.twitter.com/OZ7o5BvAO0
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) January 19, 2026
With a coaching history stretching back to 1992 and prior stints as Coastal Carolina’s defensive coordinator, Sanders enters his fourth year in spring football. His strategic acumen will be pivotal as Houston strives to tighten its defensive fundamentals.
K.C. Gundy Brings Collegiate Winning Experience to Running Backs
Joining the Gamblers’ staff is K.C. Gundy, who adds a youthful yet impressive coaching background focused on developing quarterbacks. Gundy worked at Oklahoma as a Graduate Assistant mentoring stars Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray and then at Oklahoma State as an assistant quarterbacks coach under his uncle, Mike Gundy. This marks Gundy’s first role in professional football, tasked with shaping the team’s running backs.
Tyron Carrier Enhances Receiving Corps with Exceptional Coaching Resumé
Tyron Carrier strengthens Houston’s wide receivers unit as a decorated coach and former player. Carrier’s collegiate career included NCAA records for kickoff returns for touchdowns and ranking second all-time in receptions. His coaching journey spans multiple programs, including West Virginia, Houston, Texas A&M-Commerce, Grambling State, Temple, and Coastal Carolina, providing the Gamblers with valuable expertise in receiver development.
Tim Holt’s Work with Offensive Line Earns High Praise
Offensive line coach Tim Holt is recognized as a critical asset to Houston’s staff. Holt spent the last three years with the Michigan Panthers, overseeing a line that consistently improved and featured multiple All-UFL selections, such as Ryan Nelson and Cohl Cabral. Additionally, several of his former players received NFL preseason opportunities. Holt’s NFL background includes roles as assistant offensive line coach with the Oakland Raiders and head offensive line coach for the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
DC has a very, very good defensive front.
Michigan just walked them down the field and scored.
O-Line under Tim Holt has been so good this year. #UFL
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) May 4, 2025
Grant Dickerson Oversees Linebackers and Special Teams with Strategic Insight
Grant Dickerson reunites with Sumlin as linebackers and special teams coach, bringing valuable experience from their time together at Maryland. Dickerson began coaching as an assistant director of recruiting and special teams analyst at the University of Buffalo. In Houston, he is responsible for bridging defense with special teams, particularly units focused on hidden yardage, which could decisively influence game momentum.
Ted Bolin Embarks on Pro Coaching Career as Safeties Coach
Ted Bolin steps into his first full professional coaching role overseeing safeties. Bolin gained experience with strong defensive programs, including a volunteer internship under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan and various roles at the University of Arizona and Lock Haven University. Last season, he was a defensive assistant for the Arlington Renegades and now reunites with Marvin Sanders in Houston, contributing to the defensive backfield’s development.
Outlook for the Houston Gamblers’ 2026 Season with Fresh Coaching Momentum
The newly assembled Houston Gamblers coaching staff combines experience, fresh perspectives, and local ties that could transform the team’s performance. Despite the coaching trio of Sumlin, Sanders, and Price not yet reaching the playoffs in spring football leagues, their union in 2026 sparks hope for a breakthrough. The organization appears determined to overcome past hurdles, making this coaching lineup one of the most promising in recent times.
The 2026 season will test whether this staff can elevate the Gamblers into playoff contenders and reignite fan enthusiasm. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as the team embarks on training and competition, aiming to rewrite the narrative for Houston’s spring football franchise.
Houston #Gamblers Full #UFL Coaching Staff:
HC: Kevin Sumlin
OC: Eric Price
DC: Marvin Sanders
WR: Tyron Carrier
RB: KC Gundy
OL: Tim Holt
S: Ted Bolin
LB/ST: Grant DickersonThe @UFLGamblers will practice at Pennington Field in Euless, Texas.
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) February 23, 2026
https://twitter.com/UFLGamblers/status/2006384056435359986
News: The Houston #Gamblers have added Marvin Sanders as Defensive Coordinator, source confirms.
Sanders has spent the last few years with the Renegades on Bob Stoops' staff, serving as DC this past #UFL season.
Kevin Sumlin with a strong, veteran add for Houston. pic.twitter.com/OZ7o5BvAO0
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) January 19, 2026
DC has a very, very good defensive front.
Michigan just walked them down the field and scored.
O-Line under Tim Holt has been so good this year. #UFL
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) May 4, 2025
