University of florida Announces Jon Sumrall as New Head Football Coach
GAINESVILLE, FL – November 30, 2023 – The University of Florida has named Jon Sumrall as its next head football coach, the university announced today. Sumrall, currently the defensive coordinator at Tulane University, will take the helm of the Gators program, succeeding Billy Napier who was relieved of his duties earlier this week.
the hiring marks a significant shift for the Florida program, which has struggled to consistently compete at a high level in the Southeastern Conference. SumrallS appointment arrives at a pivotal moment for the Gators, as they seek to regain their footing in a fiercely competitive landscape. His immediate task will be navigating the upcoming recruiting cycle and building a staff capable of elevating the program’s performance. The move is expected to resonate throughout the SEC and the college football world, as Sumrall is widely regarded as one of the rising stars in the coaching profession.
Sumrall brings a proven track record of defensive success to Gainesville. During his tenure at Tulane, the Green Wave consistently ranked among the nation’s leaders in key defensive metrics. Prior to Tulane, Sumrall held coaching positions at Troy, Ole Miss, and San Diego State, steadily ascending through the ranks. Notably, several players coached by Sumrall have gone on to the NFL, including:
* Josh Pachal (Detroit Lions, 2022 Draft, DE/LB, Kentucky)
* jamin davis (Washington Commanders, 2021 Draft, ILB, Kentucky)
* Donnie lewis (Cleveland Browns, 2019 Draft, CB, Tulane)
* Parry Nickerson (new york jets, 2018 Draft, CB, Tulane)
* Ade Aruna (Minnesota Vikings, 2018 Draft, DE, Tulane)
* Tanzel Smart (Los Angeles Rams, 2017 Draft, DT, Tulane)
* Lorenzo Doss (Denver Broncos, 2015 draft, CB, Tulane)
* Tauren Nixon (Denver Broncos, 2015 Draft, CB, Tulane)
The University of Florida will hold a formal introductory press conference in the coming days to officially unveil Sumrall as the program’s new leader. Details regarding the press conference will be released shortly.
