[Stardust]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story...NHeadlines

"After speaking with representatives with the University of Cincinnati yesterday and today, I declined an interview," he said in a statement. "I am looking forward to our first bowl practice later this afternoon and later honoring our seniors at the football banquet tonight."

The Bearcats are in the midst of leadership change after former coach Brian Kelly left the program for Notre Dame on Thursday.

Kelly posted a 34-6 record in three years at the school and has guided Cincinnati to consecutive BCS bowl appearances in the past two seasons.

Sumlin, who took the Houston job in 2008, came to the Cougars after a five-year stint as an Oklahoma offensive assistant under Bob Stoops.

The Cougars are 18-8 under Sumlin and will play Air Force in the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl on Dec. 31