The Florida Gators have officially named Jon Sumrall as their new head football coach following the unexpected departure of Lane Kiffin to LSU. Sumrall, formerly the head coach 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.
Kiffin’s decision to leave Ole Miss for LSU opened the door for Sumrall, who had been a notable candidate for the Gators. In his opening remarks, Sumrall acknowledged the perception that he might have been Florida’s second choice, stating, “They do this thing called football season… The decision I’m making is about which team I’m going to coach in 2026, not in 2025.”
While Kiffin’s exit leaves Ole Miss in the hands of defensive coordinator Pete Golding, Sumrall will continue to lead Tulane until the conclusion of their season, as they prepare for the American Conference Championship Game against North Texas.
Reflecting on his journey to Florida, Sumrall expressed gratitude for the opportunities he received at Troy University, where he began his head coaching career. He shared, “I’d like to acknowledge Troy University for giving me the opportunity to be a first-time head coach four years ago.” Under his leadership, Troy produced several NFL players, including Jake Andrews of the Houston Texans and Kimani Vidal of the Los Angeles Chargers.
Sumrall’s experience at Troy involved a significant turnaround, but he noted that the challenges he faces at Florida will be distinct. He remarked, “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… They just hadn’t been winning.”
The Gators are coming off a disappointing season, finishing with a record of 4-8, their worst since 2013. Under former coach Billy Napier, who ended his tenure with a record of 22-23 overall, Florida struggled to find consistency both on and off the field. Sumrall emphasized his intention to reverse this trend, aiming for immediate success rather than a prolonged rebuilding phase.
With the Gators at a crossroads, Sumrall’s immediate focus will be on restoring competitive spirit and winning games. He stated, “My plan is to win.” As the new head coach, he will need to instill confidence and a strong work ethic among the players, ensuring that Florida returns to its former glory in college football.
The upcoming challenges are significant, but Sumrall’s enthusiasm and commitment to the program signal a new era for the Florida Gators. As he embarks on this journey, fans and alumni will be keenly observing how his leadership unfolds in the coming seasons.
