Jon Sumrall Named Florida Gators Head Coach After Lane Kiffin Chooses LSU
Florida has tapped Tulane’s Jon Sumrall as its next head football coach, finalizing a six-year, $44.7 million contract with incentives, according to a person familiar with the search. The move comes after a dramatic coaching search that saw Lane Kiffin reportedly opt for LSU, leaving the Gators to pivot to their second choice.
A Second Choice with a Proven Track Record
Sumrall, 43, will continue to lead the 22nd-ranked Green Wave through their upcoming American Conference title game and potentially into the College Football Playoff should Tulane qualify for the expanded 12-team field. The financial details of the agreement average $7.45 million annually, a significant investment in a coach known for rapid program turnarounds.
Alongside the head coaching hire, the Gators are poised to bring on Dave Caldwell as general manager. Caldwell brings extensive NFL experience, including a Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles and eight years with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he built a team that reached the AFC Championship game. He is expected to play a crucial role in navigating the complexities of the modern college football landscape, including the transfer portal and name, image, and likeness (NIL) payments.
From Troy to Tulane: A History of Success
Sumrall’s coaching journey began as a linebacker at Kentucky (2002-04), followed by a three-year stint with his alma mater. He then made his mark as head coach at Troy in 2022, securing consecutive Sun Belt championships. This success carried over to Tulane, where he has amassed a 19-7 record in two seasons, leading the Green Wave to back-to-back American Championship game appearances – a total of four league title games in four years as a head coach.
“Not many coaches win big at two different non-Power programs, and even fewer do it as quickly as Jon has done it,” Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin stated. “He joins rare company — coaches like Urban Meyer, Brian Kelly and Willie Fritz — who’ve delivered immediate success at multiple stops. Jon’s track record of rapid turnarounds speaks directly to his leadership and the culture he establishes.”
A Gamble for the Gators?
While Sumrall’s resume is impressive, his hiring is viewed by many as a consolation prize after the pursuit of Kiffin. The coach had been considered for positions at Auburn, Arkansas, and Ole Miss before ultimately choosing LSU after a highly publicized recruitment process. Reports suggest Kiffin’s visit to Gainesville was underwhelming, contributing to his decision. Florida even enlisted the support of Heisman Trophy winners Steve Spurrier and Danny Wuerffel in an attempt to sway Kiffin.
Sumrall inherits a program that finished the 2023 season with a 4-8 record, but showed promise in a 40-21 victory over rival Florida State, fueled by a career-high 266 rushing yards and two touchdowns from Jadan Baugh and three passing touchdowns from DJ Lagway. The challenge now is to elevate the Gators back to prominence in the competitive Southeastern Conference.
Fan Discontent and Stricklin’s Position
The hiring has been met with skepticism from some Florida fans, who had hoped for a higher-profile coach. Stricklin has faced increasing criticism, even being booed at a recent championship celebration for the men’s basketball team. A website dedicated to his removal, FireScottStricklin.com, and a rally outside Florida Field demonstrate the depth of the discontent.
Despite the fan backlash, Stricklin appears to have the support of the Board of Trustees, who recently granted him a three-year contract extension and allowed him autonomy in the coaching search. While rumors circulated about booster involvement, Stricklin maintained control of the hiring process.
Rebuilding in Gainesville
Tulane’s offensive and defensive statistics – ranking 39th and 64th nationally, respectively – are not particularly eye-catching. Sumrall is expected to assemble a strong coaching staff, including outside coordinators and an NFL-style general manager, to facilitate a comprehensive rebuild in Gainesville. The Gators are hoping Sumrall can replicate the success of Urban Meyer, rather than follow the path of his predecessor, Billy Napier, who earned the nickname “Sun Belt Billy” for struggling in the SEC.
