Houston Cougars to Build New Stadium as They Move to Big East Conference

HOUSTON (AP) — Houston is celebrating its upcoming move from Conference USA to the Big East amid speculation that coach Kevin Sumlin could be leaving for another job.

Hundreds of people attended an on-campus event Friday to applaud the move. Sumlin says he's excited about the conference move, but wouldn't address the possibility he could leave the program.

Athletic director Mack Rhoades says they are working to keep Sumlin, but that if he leaves "we'll move on and hire the next great coach."

Nelda Blair, chair of the school's board of regents, announced that Houston plans to build a new football stadium. She says there are additional funds to be raised, but that they hope to break ground within 10 months.

The Cougars currently play in Robertson Stadium, a 32,000 seat stadium which opened in 1942.