Jon Sumrall has officially been appointed as the new head coach of the Florida Gators, following the departure of Lane Kiffin to LSU. This announcement was made during a press conference on December 1, 2025, at the James W. Heavener Football Training Center in Gainesville, Florida. Sumrall, who previously led the Tulane Green Wave, takes on the challenge of revitalizing a program that finished the 2025 season with a disappointing record of 4-8.
During his introductory remarks, Sumrall addressed speculation regarding his selection as the second choice for the position. Kiffin’s decision to leave Ole Miss for LSU left Florida in search of a new leader. Sumrall emphasized his commitment to the Gators and dismissed any notions of being a fallback option. “We had choices. My wife and I sat down, and we chose Florida. Florida had to choose us, but we chose them back,” he stated.
As he transitions from Tulane, where he guided the team to a successful 10-2 season, Sumrall expressed gratitude towards his previous institution. He acknowledged the opportunities provided by Troy University, where he served as head coach prior to Tulane. “I was a linebacker coach/co-defensive coordinator that most people in America didn’t know my name unless you really loved studying football,” he remarked about his previous role.
The 43-year-old coach, a former All-State defensive back at Grissom High School in Huntsville, Alabama, is aware of the challenges he faces at Florida. He noted that the rebuilding process at Florida may not be as straightforward as it was at Troy, where he had several current NFL players to build around. “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 explained.
Sumrall’s plan is focused on immediate success rather than a lengthy rebuilding period. He aims to win games from the onset, emphasizing the importance of winning. The Gators, who had their worst record since 2013, will need a significant turnaround under Sumrall’s leadership. The previous head coach, Billy Napier, finished with an overall record of 22-23 during his tenure, including a 12-16 mark within the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
As Sumrall prepares to lead the Gators, he will continue to coach Tulane through the American Conference Championship Game against North Texas, scheduled for December 5, 2025. His commitment to both teams during this transition period highlights his dedication to his players.
In a landscape where coaching changes are becoming increasingly common, Jon Sumrall’s appointment marks a new chapter for Florida football. With a clear vision for the program’s future, he aims to restore the Gators to prominence in college football.
