Jon Sumrall has officially been appointed as the new head coach of the Florida Gators football program, following the departure of Lane Kiffin to LSU. Sumrall’s hiring was announced during a press conference held on December 1, 2025, at the James W. Heavener Football Training Center in Gainesville, Florida. The 43-year-old replaces Kiffin, who opted to lead the LSU Tigers after a successful tenure at Ole Miss.
Addressing his introduction, Sumrall acknowledged the circumstances surrounding his appointment, particularly the perception of being Florida’s second choice. “When Kiffin left for LSU, the Gators turned to me, and I am proud to accept this role,” Sumrall stated. “My focus is on building a competitive team that excels in the SEC.” He emphasized his ongoing commitment to Tulane, where he will continue coaching until their season concludes with the American Conference Championship Game against North Texas.
Transitioning to a New Challenge
Sumrall, who previously coached at Troy University, detailed the transition he will undertake with the Gators. “The decision I’m making is about which team I’m going to coach in 2026, not in 2025,” he explained. He acknowledged the challenges he faces at Florida compared to his past success at Troy, where he turned the program around with a roster featuring several players now in the NFL, including Jake Andrews and Dell Pettus.
Reflecting on his time at Troy, Sumrall noted, “That job was actually an easier rebuild because the players, the locker room, there were a bunch of good players.” He emphasized that while the Gators possess talent, there are cultural aspects that need attention. “We need to instill toughness and a competitive edge,” he added, indicating his intentions to build a winning culture.
Florida’s previous season concluded with a disappointing record of 4-8, marking the worst performance since 2013. Sumrall takes over a program that has experienced instability, with former head coach Billy Napier finishing his tenure with a 22-23 overall record and a 12-16 mark in the SEC.
Looking Ahead: Goals and Expectations
As he steps into this new role, Sumrall is clear about his ambitions. “I want to win immediately. My goal is to lead the Gators to success starting from day one,” he stated emphatically. His commitment to excellence is evident, and he aims to capitalize on Florida’s rich football tradition to restore the program’s glory.
Sumrall concluded the press conference by thanking Troy University for his initial coaching opportunity, expressing gratitude to those who believed in him. “I was a linebacker coach that most people in America didn’t know my name unless you really loved studying football,” he said. He showed appreciation for the chance to lead a program of Florida’s stature, underscoring his readiness to embrace the challenge ahead.
As the Gators prepare for the upcoming season, fans eagerly anticipate the impact Jon Sumrall will bring to Florida football. His experience, coupled with a determined mindset, sets the stage for what could be a transformative era for the program.
