Jeff HauserMon, December 1, 2025 at 9:53 PM UTC·2 min readJon Sumrall jabs Lane Kiffin while being introduced as head coach at Florida originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Jon Sumrall didn’t waste time stirring the rivalry pot.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFlorida introduced Sumrall as its next head football coach Monday in Gainesville, and the 43-year-old opened his press conference with a playful jab at new LSU coach Lane Kiffin, a candidate once linked to the Gators before Florida pivoted to Sumrall amid what sources described as communication breakdowns with Kiffin.
“Going through the process of making decisions on jobs this time of year — maybe not ideal coaching in the season,” Sumrall said as he worked through a smile. “Lane Kiffin and I have been going through the same thing and we’ve talked a lot. We were both in agreement that I was the right man for this job. So, he co-signed on that.”
Tje remark drew laughter from a room packed with reporters, offering a tone-setting moment for a program eager to reset after late-season trouble. Sumrall doubled down on the rapport that made the jab land.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“Lane is a dear friend. Lane is a dear friend,” Sumrall said. “And I do want to be very direct on one thing … he and I both agreed I was the right man for this job. Lane is a dear friend, and I have to poke a little fun at him.”
Sumrall comes to Florida on a six-year contract averaging nearly $7.5 million annually, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel, with incentives tied to CFP appearances. He owns a 42-11 career record in four seasons as a head coach, reaching a conference championship game in each stop: two years at Troy in the Sun Belt and two at Tulane in the American Athletic Conference.
Sumrall will remain with the Green Wave (10-2) through next week’s AAC title game vs. North Texas and potentially the CFP, should Tulane earn a berth. The decision reflects loyalty that has defined his rise, but in Gainesville, his first act showed Florida it hired a winner who can win a room, too.
More college football news:
Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
Ole Miss reportedly gives Lane Kiffin an ultimatum as family visits Florida and LSU
Virginia Tech reportedly funding roster near top of ACC for James Franklin
Bill Belichick goes viral for awkward handshake after Wake Forest loss
Texas state trooper reportedly relieved of duties after player exchange at Texas A&M
