Jon Sumrall, the newly appointed head coach of the Florida Gators, is quickly being recognized as one of college football’s rising stars. Currently in his second season with the Tulane Green Wave, Sumrall has already built an impressive record of 43 wins and 11 losses over his coaching career, including a successful stint with the Troy Trojans.
Following the mid-season firing of former head coach Billy Napier in 2025, the Gators announced Sumrall’s hiring on November 30, welcoming him as their next leader. While preparing for his new role, Sumrall is focused on guiding Tulane through its current success and its participation in the College Football Playoff. The Green Wave finished the regular season with a commendable 10-2 record, and they secured the American Conference championship, ensuring their place in the playoffs.
As Tulane prepares for a significant showdown against the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels in the playoff’s first round, scheduled for Saturday, the atmosphere has been recently overshadowed by personal tragedy. Just a day before this critical matchup, Sumrall shared heartbreaking news on X, revealing that his father, George Sumrall, had passed away. In a heartfelt post, the 43-year-old coach expressed his gratitude for the time spent with his father and the values he instilled in him throughout his life.
George Sumrall was not only a supportive figure at home but also a respected professional who dedicated a large part of his career to the U.S. Department of Defense. He was present at both the conference championship game and Florida’s formal announcement of Jon’s hiring, underscoring the importance of family in Sumrall’s life.
As Tulane approaches this pivotal moment in program history, the resilience shown by Sumrall in the face of personal loss reflects the strength and dedication he brings to coaching. The game against Ole Miss will undoubtedly be a testament to not only the team’s skills but also the character of its coach during this challenging time. The match is set to begin at 3:30 p.m. ET and can be viewed on TNT, TruTV, and HBO Max.