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Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin names new play-caller

Kevin Sumlin saw his offense struggle against LSU. (Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Kevin Sumlin agreed to a new six-year contract in November. (Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin is making an offensive change with Jake Spavital taking over play-calling duties effective immediately, the team announced Thursday. Spavital will get his first chance calling plays in the Chick-fil-A Bowl on Dec. 31.

Clarence McKinney previously called the Aggies' plays in his first season as offensive coordinator.

Spavital shared offensive coordinator duties and has been linked to offensive coordinator openings including Florida.

The Aggies' play-calling came into question after their 34-10 loss to LSU in November. In the loss, Johnny Manziel completed just 16 of 41 passes in his worst outing as an Aggie. When questioned why the Aggies would rely on Manziel passing so often despite an injured right hand, McKinney said he was unaware of an injury.

"You mentioning that to me right now is my first time hearing about Johnny's thumb," McKinney said when a reporter asked the specifics of Manziel's injury. "He never said anything to me about it."

SI WIRE: Texas AD forms eight-member coach search committee

The Aggies lost second-year co-defensive coordinator Marcel Yates to Boise State Thursday. Yates will be the Broncos' defensive coordinator under new head coach Bryan Harsin.

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