The ongoing coaching search for the Florida Gators has captivated college football enthusiasts, but former Florida coach Steve Spurrier believes there are strong alternatives to Lane Kiffin. In a recent appearance on the Another Dooley Noted Podcast, Spurrier highlighted two lesser-known candidates who could potentially lead the Gators back to prominence: Bob Chesney from James Madison and Jon Sumrall from Tulane.
Spurrier expressed high regard for both coaches, noting their track records of consistent winning. He suggested that sometimes a coach outside the spotlight could be a better fit than a high-profile hire, emphasizing the importance of effective leadership over a flashy name. Importantly, both Chesney and Sumrall primarily focus on defensive strategies, contrasting the offensive innovations that characterized Spurrier and former Florida head coach Urban Meyer’s successful tenures.
Chesney has made a name for himself as a defensive-minded head coach during his tenure at James Madison, where he boasts a commendable record of 19-5 over two seasons. His success has led him to become a frontrunner for the Penn State job, a position that aligns with his coaching background in the Northeast.
Meanwhile, Sumrall has garnered attention for his work within the SEC, having previously played for Kentucky and coaching at Ole Miss and Kentucky. Currently in his second head coaching role, Sumrall has achieved an impressive 41-11 record across his four seasons, consistently winning nine or more games. His SEC experience makes him an appealing candidate for multiple programs, including Florida and LSU.
The Florida Gators have struggled to replicate their past success since Urban Meyer’s departure, with just four seasons of 10 or more wins and a troubling trend of six losing seasons in the past decade. As the coaching landscape continues to shift—especially with Lane Kiffin commanding top dollar—coaches like Chesney and Sumrall present promising alternatives that could restore Florida’s competitive edge without the hefty price tag associated with high-profile coaching candidates. This shift could signal a more strategic approach in collegiate coaching searches, prioritizing skill and fit over visibility alone.