‘I actually think it’s easier’ — Florida Gators HC Jon Sumrall how he handles the NIL era of college football and it says everything about his character
Jon Sumrall continues to prove he’s been a fantastic hire for the Florida Gators
We have seen a major exodus of college football coaches going to the NFL over recent weeks, and there is a good explanation: it’s become a professional league.
For a lot of assistants, the paychecks are higher in the NFL than they are at the college level, and if you have to deal with the aspects of a professional league, might as well get the paycheck.
Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall understands the changes that are happening within the sport, and he continues to prove that Scott Stricklin made the right hire.
Jon Sumrall talks about how NIL has changed how he coaches
The prevailing thought is that coaching college football is harder than it used to be. From the aspect of recruiting and retaining players, it certainly is harder, but once you get the guys in the building, Sumrall believes it’s easier.
“I actually think it’s easier, because if a guy wants to act some sort of way about having to do something tough, I’m like, ‘Dude, you make money. Shut up, bro.’ Like, you’re getting paid,” said Sumrall on SiriusXM. “Dog, put the work in. I think some coaches with this new world we’re living in, with the transfer portal and NIL, have gotten softer. I’ve probably gotten crazier. I’m like, ‘Don’t tell me about this is too hard. Like we’re all pros.’ Here be a pro.”
Sumrall makes a good point about where things are at with college sports. In the SEC, essentially everyone on your roster is making money with the advent of NIL and revenue sharing. If you are making money off of your ability to play football, you are now a professional to some extent. That requires you to act like a professional.
The key to Sumrall’s approach is going to be consistency. A lot of players coming in are treated like kings in high school due to their ability to play football, which can be a culture shock. Giving the players consistency in how they are treated is crucial for your culture.
Sumrall has been nothing but consistent in his messaging since arriving on campus back in December, and this approach could be key in elevating the Gators to where they want to be: national championship contenders.
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