After leading Troy University to back-to-back Sun Belt championships, head coach Jon Sumrall has officially accepted the Tulane job, leaving Troy in search of a new leader for their storied football program. Athletic director Brent Jones praised Sumrall’s commitment to excellence over the past two seasons and thanked him for bringing Troy back to a competitive level.
Sumrall’s departure has prompted the question of who will replace him as the head coach of Troy University. The university seems to be an attractive option for potential candidates, given their history of success, strong fan support, and investment in facilities and infrastructure. Troy has won at least a share of eight Sun Belt championships since 2006 and boasts a strong fan base that has consistently shown up for games.
In terms of facilities and investment, Troy has made strides to improve the program’s infrastructure, with plans for a new indoor practice facility and a significant investment in coaching salaries. This has positioned the program as an enticing option for top coordinators looking to make an impact at the collegiate level.
One potential factor in the search for a new coach is previous experience at Troy. Several coaches with ties to the university have demonstrated success at the helm, including the previous and current head coaches. This trend might play a role in the decision-making process for the next hire.
A list of potential coaches includes individuals with previous ties to the region, such as Florida State offensive coordinator Alex Atkins, former UAB head coach Bill Clark, LSU quarterbacks coach Joe Sloan, and Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks coach Tee Martin. Other potential candidates include Georgia running backs coach Dell McGee, former Alabama State and XFL head coach Reggie Barlow, former Texas A&M running backs coach Tommie Robinson, SMU offensive coordinator Casey Woods, current Troy defensive coordinator/interim head coach Greg Gasparato, and Troy offensive coordinator Joe Craddock.
While there are no official announcements regarding the new head coach, it is clear that Troy is positioned to attract top talent for the position. The search for Sumrall’s successor is underway, and the university is likely to consider candidates who can build on the recent successes of the program and continue to compete for championships.