Gainesville, Fla. – The University of Florida has named Jon Sumrall the 31st head coach in program history, Athletic Director Scott Stricklin announced on Sunday afternoon. The 43-year-old owns an impressive 42–11 career record at Tulane and Troy combined including a 28-4 mark in conference play.
“I’m pleased to share that we have hired Jon Sumrall as the next head football coach of the Florida Gators,” Stricklin said in a letter to Gator Nation. “Jon has made four conference championship game appearances in his first four years as a head coach—becoming the only coach in FBS history to do so at two different schools. He’ll coach in another conference championship on Friday night, and a win would likely send his team to the College Football Playoff.”
Sumrall took over at Tulane in 2024, guiding the Green Wave to a 9–5 record (7–1 AAC) and an appearance in the American Athletic Conference Championship Game. In 2025, Tulane enters the postseason at 10–2 (7–1 AAC) and will face North Texas in the AAC title game with a berth in the College Football Playoff at stake.
Before arriving in New Orleans, Sumrall made an immediate impact as a first-year head coach at Troy in 2022. Over two seasons with the Trojans, the Sumrall compiled a 23–4 record (14–2 Sun Belt), capturing back-to-back conference titles. His debut campaign earned him Sun Belt Coach of the Year honors in 2022.
Sumrall has finished with nine plus wins each year including double digit victories in three of his four seasons as a head coach.
“Jon is a proven winner and an exceptional leader who has built successful programs at every stop,” Stricklin added. “He brings tremendous energy, strong recruiting relationships across our footprint, and a philosophy rooted in toughness, discipline, and player development. He will cultivate a daily culture of competitiveness, accountability, and winning that drives success on the field and throughout our program. Jon fully understands the expectations at the University of Florida, including our expectations to produce championship teams that feature a dynamic offense, and we’re excited to welcome him and his family to Gator Nation. Not many coaches win big at two different non-Power programs—and even fewer do it as quickly as Jon has done it. He joins rare company—coaches like Urban Meyer, Brian Kelly, and Willie Fritz—who have delivered immediate success at multiple stops. Jon’s track record of rapid turnarounds speaks directly to his leadership and the culture he establishes.”
What Sumrall had to say
Jon Sumrall
“The University of Florida is one of the premier programs in college football, and it’s an incredible honor to serve as the head football coach,” Sumrall said. “I believe in building a team rooted in toughness, accountability and a relentless competitive spirit. Florida has everything necessary to compete at the highest level—the resources, the support, the tradition and the passion of Gator Nation. My family and I are excited to get to work.
“One of my first priorities will be to assemble an incredible staff, including an offensive coordinator who understands that, at Florida, having an explosive offense isn’t optional – it’s mandatory!”
What they are saying about Jon Sumrall
Head Ball Coach Steve Spurrier:
“I’m 100 percent supportive of the hiring of Coach Sumrall. He is an excellent choice and has the track record to prove it. He is a young coach on the way up and certainly has a winning record and produced winning teams. He is coaching in his fourth straight league’s championship game Friday night. He’s a proven winner and he will bring a little more fire and emotion to our team.”
Gator Heisman Quarterback Danny Wuerffel
“I got the chance to talk with Jon Sumrall and I’m really excited for him to be our new coach! He is a winner. His passion is contagious. He is a great leader of men. And for those offensive minded folks—like me—he understands us and is committed to hiring an elite OC. I’m as excited to be a Gator as I’ve been in a long time.”
Two Time National Championship Coach Urban Meyer
“What a special day for Gator Nation. Jon is one of the top young coaches in the game. I’ve studied Coach Sumrall and have gotten to spend some time with him. His teams are tough, physical and he creates a competitive environment. I look forward to getting to know him even more and the special things he will do at Florida.”
Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen
“He’s an absolute stud. I’ve got a ton of respect for Jon Sumrall as a man, as a person, as a coach. He can connect with all walks of life. Recruits, there’s not many better recruiters I’ve been around at all positions, not just on defense, but the entirety of it. And I know his teams play their tails off. That’s something that you’ve just continued to see.”
Sumrall notables
- Sumrall owns a 42-11 record including a 28-4 conference record at two stops.
- Has made four consecutive conference championships games
- Tied for the sixth most wins by FBS coaches since 2022 (42)
- First coach in FBS history to make four conference title game appearances with two different schools in first four years as head coach
- Fifth-highest winning percentage amongst FBS head coaches since 2022
- Tied for the most road wins amongst FBS head coaches since 2022 (18)
- Sun Belt Coach of the Year in 2022