The University of Florida has named Tulane’s Jon Sumrall as its next football head coach, finalizing a six-year contract worth $44.7 million, including incentives. The deal averages $7.45 million per year. Sumrall, 43, was Florida’s second choice after Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin opted to take the LSU job.
Sumrall will finish the season with the 22nd-ranked Green Wave, including the American Athletic Conference title game and any potential College Football Playoff appearance, before transitioning to the Gators.
Florida is also expected to hire former NFL executive Dave Caldwell as general manager. Caldwell, who won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles and spent eight years with the Jacksonville Jaguars, will assist in roster management, navigating the transfer portal, and overseeing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) considerations.
Sumrall played linebacker at Kentucky from 2002 to 2004 and later returned to his alma mater as a coach. He then led Troy to consecutive Sun Belt championships before achieving similar success at Tulane, posting a 19-7 record over two seasons and reaching the league title game each year. Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin praised Sumrall’s rapid success at multiple programs, likening him to coaches such as Urban Meyer and Brian Kelly.
“Not many coaches win big at two different non-Power Five programs, and even fewer do it as quickly as Jon has done,” Stricklin said. “His track record of rapid turnarounds speaks directly to his leadership and the culture he establishes.”
Sumrall had been considered for head coaching positions at Auburn, Arkansas, and Ole Miss before Florida made its late push after Kiffin declined. He replaces Billy Napier, who was fired in October after a 22-23 record over four seasons.
The Gators face a challenging rebuilding task in the SEC, with Tulane ranking 39th nationally in total offense and 64th in total defense. Sumrall is expected to hire outside coordinators and implement an NFL-style management structure to strengthen the program. Despite Florida’s 4-8 season, the team ended on a high note with a 40-21 victory over rival Florida State, highlighted by a 266-yard, two-touchdown performance from running back Jadan Baugh.
Sumrall’s appointment marks a bold step for Florida as it looks to return to prominence in college football’s powerhouse Southeastern Conference.
