Florida Gators are preparing contingencies for missing out on Lane Kiffin by meeting with top-tier coaching candidate
This is a big development in the Gators head coaching search.
The Florida Gators are doing their due diligence when it comes to the head coaching position. They want Ole Miss Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin, and it’s been the worst-kept secret in all of college football.
With the Gators working on trying to find a head coach to replace Billy Napier, they can’t just wait for him to make a decision without having other options vetted and in place. They are taking it seriously, as Gators Online is reporting that they are meeting with Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall.
Florida Gators meeting with Tulane HC Jon Sumrall
This is a very interesting development in the Gators’ head coaching search. The prevailing thought was that they wouldn’t go the Group of Five route after how poorly things went with Billy Napier. Why is Sumrall different? He’s been incredibly successful across multiple programs and has been a coordinator in the SEC.
Sumrall played linebacker at Kentucky for three years before becoming a graduate assistant for two years. He returned to Lexington in 2019 as a linebackers coach before being promoted to co-defensive coordinator in 2021. Right after that, Sumrall took over at Troy and was there for two years before replacing Willie Fritz at Tulane.
What separates Sumrall from other coaches is the success he has had at both spots. He was 23-4 during his two seasons at Truy, including first-place finishes in the Sun Belt both seasons. Once he got to Tulane, he was taking over a successful program, but they were depleated when Fritz left. He went 9-5 in his first season and is now 8-2 in his second year. While a defensive minded coach, Sumrall is a leader of men and does a great job in running a program.
If Kiffin doesn’t end up working out, Sumrall could be the next best solution in Gainesville.
Update: On3’s Pete Nakos has reported that Sumrall has canceled his visit to Gainesville and withdrawn his interest in the Florida head coaching job.
Florida Gators News
National CFB analyst makes bold statement about Lane Kiffin and Florida Gators HC job, and he’s the first outside of Florida to do so
This is the first time we’ve heard this nationally.
Florida Gators News
Florida Gators have serious competition emerging for Lane Kiffin, and it could be the reason why he doesn’t go to Gainesville
It’s getting real for the Florida Gators.
Florida Gators News
Florida Gators analyst pours fuel on the Lane Kiffin to Gainesville fire with very bold statement about the next head coach
It certainly feels like it will be happening shortly.
