The University of Florida has named Jon Sumrall as its new head football coach, following a series of coaching changes in college football. Sumrall, who previously led the Tulane Green Wave, addressed his appointment during an introductory press conference on December 1, 2025, at the James W. Heavener Football Training Center in Gainesville, Florida. His hiring comes after Lane Kiffin opted to join LSU, leaving the Gators in search of new leadership.
Sumrall, a former standout at Grissom High School, acknowledged that Kiffin’s departure left some questioning his status as the program’s second choice. He emphasized, however, that he is committed to building a successful team at Florida. “They do this thing called football season,” Sumrall remarked, explaining the dynamics of coaching changes. “The decision I’m making is about which team I’m going to coach in 2026, not in 2025.”
Currently, Sumrall remains focused on Tulane, which is preparing for the American Conference Championship Game against North Texas. His tenure at Tulane has been marked by success, leading the team to a record of 10-2 this season following a 9-5 record last year. This track record has positioned him well for the challenges ahead at Florida.
Reflecting on his previous successes, Sumrall noted the ease of turning around the Troy program compared to Florida. He highlighted the presence of current NFL players who were instrumental in Troy’s rebuild, including Jake Andrews of the Houston Texans and Dell Pettus of the New England Patriots. “I’m not saying this is Troy. I know it’s different. That job was actually an easier rebuild because the players, the locker room,” he stated.
The Gators are coming off a disappointing season, finishing with a record of 4-8, their worst since 2013. Former head coach Billy Napier concluded his tenure with a 22-23 overall record and a 12-16 mark in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Sumrall aims to reverse this trend, emphasizing his desire to win immediately rather than settling for a lengthy rebuilding phase.
In his opening comments, Sumrall expressed gratitude to Troy University for the opportunities that helped shape his coaching career. He specifically thanked Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins and Athletic Director Brent Jones for their support during his first head coaching role.
As Sumrall embarks on this new chapter with the Gators, he is fully aware of the expectations that come with leading a storied program like Florida. He stated, “We had choices. My wife and I sat down, and we chose Florida. Florida had to choose us, but we chose them back.”
With the college football landscape ever-changing, the Gators hope that Sumrall’s fresh perspective and coaching acumen will restore the program to its former glory. The upcoming season will be a crucial test for both him and the team as they navigate the pressures of high-stakes football in the SEC.
