The University of Florida has officially announced the appointment of Jon Sumrall as the new head coach of its football program, following the departure of Lane Kiffin to Louisiana State University (LSU). Sumrall, who previously led the Troy Trojans and has been coaching at Tulane, addressed his new role during an introductory press conference on December 1, 2025, at the James W. Heavener Football Training Center in Gainesville, Florida.
In his opening remarks, Sumrall acknowledged the circumstances surrounding his hiring, noting that he was not the first choice for the position after Kiffin opted for LSU. He emphasized his excitement for the opportunity, stating, “They do this thing called football season. After football season, a coach can leave and take a job.” This comment reflected his understanding of the realities of coaching dynamics within college football.
Sumrall is currently preparing for the American Conference Championship Game, where his Tulane team will face North Texas. He intends to remain with Tulane until the conclusion of their season, underscoring his commitment to the players and program he is currently leading. His focus, however, is now shifting to the future with the Gators.
While addressing Florida’s recent struggles under former coach Bill Napier, who finished with a record of 4-8, Sumrall made it clear that he is not looking at a rebuilding phase. He remarked, “I’m trying to do the best I can. The way I explained it to my team yesterday was: The decision I’m making is about which team I’m going to coach in 2026.” This statement highlights his ambition to create an immediate impact.
Sumrall’s coaching journey began at Troy University, where he served as a linebacker coach before taking the helm as head coach. He expressed gratitude towards the institution for giving him his first opportunity, stating, “I was a linebacker coach/co-defensive coordinator that most people in America didn’t know my name unless you really loved studying football.” His efforts at Troy resulted in a successful turnaround, a task he acknowledges will be more challenging at Florida.
During his tenure at Tulane, Sumrall led the Green Wave to a commendable 9-5 record in 2024 and is currently guiding them to a 10-2 season. He has emphasized the importance of cultural improvements and instilling a sense of toughness and passion in his teams. Reflecting on his experiences, he stated, “I walked into a football team that had some good players. They just hadn’t been winning.”
As he embarks on this new journey, Sumrall reiterated his and his wife’s decision to choose Florida, highlighting a mutual selection process. The Gators are hoping that his leadership will return the program to its former glory, as they seek to build a competitive team in the Southeastern Conference.
Sumrall’s appointment marks a new chapter for Florida football, and fans are eager to see how his strategies will unfold in the upcoming seasons. With a focus on winning immediately, Sumrall is poised to bring a fresh perspective to a program that has seen better days.
