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Jon Sumrall named Florida Gators football Coach
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Florida has appointed Tulane’s Jon Sumrall as its new head football coach, following Lane Kiffin’s decision too remain at LSU. The move signals a shift towards a more NFL-structured front office with the addition of Dave Caldwell as General Manager.
The Coaching Change: From Kiffin to Sumrall
The University of florida swiftly moved to secure Jon Sumrall after Lane Kiffin announced he would stay at LSU.Kiffin’s decision, finalized November 30, 2023, left the Gators searching for a leader to revitalize their program. Sumrall, 43, emerges as a rising star in college football, bringing a proven track record of success from his tenures at Troy and Tulane.
Sumrall’s contract is a six-year deal worth $44.7 million, averaging $7.45 million annually, and includes performance-based incentives. He will complete his current season with Tulane, including the American Conference championship game and potential College Football Playoff participation, before officially joining the Gators. This allows for a smoother transition and avoids disrupting Tulane’s postseason aspirations.
A New Front Office Structure: Introducing Dave Caldwell
Alongside the coaching hire, Florida announced the appointment of Dave Caldwell as general Manager. This is a important departure from customary college football structures and reflects a growing trend towards adopting NFL-style front offices. Caldwell brings over two decades of NFL experience, including a Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles and a successful rebuild with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
caldwell’s role will be crucial in managing the team’s salary cap,evaluating player talent,and assisting Sumrall with the complexities of roster management. This division of labor aims to free Sumrall to focus on coaching and player advancement. The Jaguars, under caldwell (2013-2020), saw a 68% increase in overall team value, demonstrating his ability to build and maintain a valuable franchise.
| Executive | Role | Key Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Jon Sumrall | Head Football Coach | Sun Belt Championships (Troy, Tulane), Consistent Conference Title Appearances |
| Dave Caldwell | General Manager | Super Bowl Winner (Philadelphia Eagles), AFC Championship Game Appearance (Jacksonville Jaguars) |
Sumrall’s Coaching Record and Beliefs
Jon Sumrall has quickly established himself as one of the most promising coaches in college football.In just two seasons at Tulane, he achieved a 19-7 record and led the Green Wave to back-to-back American Conference championship game appearances. Prior to Tulane, he led Troy to consecutive Sun Belt Conference titles in 2022 and 2023.
His overall head coaching record stands at 38-14, a winning percentage of .731.This success at multiple programs demonstrates his ability to build winning cultures and adapt to diffrent environments. Sumrall’s teams are known for their aggressive defensive schemes and efficient offensive play.
