As the Lane Kiffin drama continues to envelop much of the Southeastern Conference, the Florida Gators continue to assess their options if Kiffin doesn’t choose Gainesville as his next coaching destination.
FootballScoop’s John Brice reported that Florida has made layered overtures to Tulane coach Jon Sumrall in recent days, including dispatching 2-time national championship coach Urban Meyer to speak with Sumrall. The report also stated that Florida assured Sumrall that he would have full control of the program as well as autonomy with staffing decisions.
That contrasts with what Auburn has reportedly offered Sumrall, as the Tigers are said to have discussed the possibility of retaining some of Hugh Freeze’s staff members, from defensive coordinator and interim head coach DJ Durkin to administrative staff.
The big number from Brice, though? Florida could extend an offer to Sumrall that would pay up roughly $10 million per year.
Offering Sumrall $10 million, along with additional bonuses and escalators, in average annual salary is a huge bump from his current $3 million-per-year deal at Tulane. Florida reportedly made clear to Kiffin that they would pay him in the $13-15 million range per year.
Sumrall leads his Tulane Green Wave against Charlotte on Saturday (7:30 pm ET, ESPNU) in an attempt to clinch a spot in the American Athletic Conference Championship, a win that would mark an unprecedented fourth-straight conference title-game appearance in his first four years as a head coach. A win could also put Tulane in position for a first-ever spot in the College Football Playoff.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. He also hosts Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson, weekdays from 3-5 pm across Southwest Florida and on FoxSportsFM.com. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
