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Gainesville, FL - The University of Florida has chosen Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall to take over its football program after a challenging 2024 season.
Reports indicate that Sumrall agreed to a six year contract worth about $7.5 million per year, with performance based incentives connected to potential College Football Playoff appearances.
Florida has not reached the CFP since its inception and last won a national championship in 2008.
Sumrall arrives in Gainesville after two seasons leading Tulane.
He became head coach of the Green Wave in 2024 following Willie Fritz’s departure to Houston.
In his first year, Sumrall led Tulane to a 9 5 record, followed by a 10 2 season in 2025.
The 10 win total marked the program’s third double digit campaign in four years, maintaining momentum built before his arrival.
Florida turned to a new direction after dismissing Billy Napier seven games into the season.
Napier had led the Gators since 2022, replacing Dan Mullen, and guided the team to two bowl appearances during his tenure.
The 2024 season ended with a 4 8 record and a 2 6 mark in SEC play, the program’s lowest win total since the 2017 season under Jim McElwain and interim coach Randy Shannon.
The Gators had been linked to multiple coaching options before selecting Sumrall, including interest surrounding Lane Kiffin.
Reports indicated Kiffin was considering staying at Ole Miss or pursuing the LSU job. Sumrall will now be tasked with guiding Florida as it works to regain competitiveness in a strengthened SEC landscape.