Florida Gators hire Jon Sumrall as football head coach

Gators new head coach Jon Sumrall takes questions

After two seasons of serving as head coach for Tulane University, Jon Sumrall has been named by University of Florida as the 31st head coach in the program's history. With potentially a new era inbound for the Gators, Sumrall took questions live Monday afternoon after a press conference.

GAINEVILLE, Fla. - The University of Florida has hired a new football coach: Jon Sumrall, the current coach at Tulane University.

UF confirmed the news on Sunday afternoon. Both ESPN and the Associated Press were first to report that UF w as finalizing a deal to hire Sumrall.

Sumrall replaces Billy Napier, who was fired in October after four season – and a disappointing start to the 2025 season. Napier's Gator record ended at 22-23.

He will be the fifth Gators head coach since Urban Meyer, who stepped down as head coach in 2010.

Jon Sumrall speaks as Florida Gators new head coach: Watch

New Florida Gators coach Jon Sumrall press conference | FULL

The Florida Gators have hired Tulane's Jon Sumrall to be its next football head coach.

Who is Jon Sumrall?

Jon Sumrall is the current coach of Tulane University's Green Wave. He joined the program in December 2023, becoming the university's 42nd head football coach.

He's led the team to an overall 19-7 record in 2024 and 2025, the university said.

UF said Sumrall would join the Gators after Tulane's season. The Green Wave is expected to compete in the American Conference title game. If the team wins, they'll move on to the College Football Playoff. 

Prior to coaching Tulane, Sumrall led the Troy Trojans to an overall record of 23-4 in 2022 and 2023.

Sumrall's deal with the Gators is believed to be a 6-year pact, according to the Associated Press.