Florida shifts coaching search to Group of 5 coach, per report
By David Wasson
Published:
Florida appears to be considering a second straight Group of 5 coach to lead their football program.
On Friday, reports emerged that irregular communication from Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin in recent days has led Florida leadership to believe his interest lies elsewhere. As a result, the Gators have shifted their focus to other candidates. Subsequent reporting from On3 Friday afternoon suggested the Gators are turning their attention to Tulane coach Jon Sumrall to replace Billy Napier.
On3’s Chris Low added that a deal could come together quickly with Sumrall.
Kiffin has been the hottest target during an unprecedented coaching carousel and has yet to announce a decision on where he will coach in 2026 and beyond.
Sumrall, 43, has also been a target of the Auburn Tigers in recent weeks. The Tulane coach has recorded back-to-back 9-win seasons with the Green Wave and has his team on the verge of earning an at-large berth in the College Football Playoff.
Tulane faces Charlotte at home Saturday (7:30 pm ET, ESPNU) with a chance to earn a spot in the American Conference championship game on Dec. 8. Sumrall has a 41-11 overall record as a head coach, having gone 17-7 at Tulane and 23-4 at Troy from 2022-23.
Sumrall was the subject of conflicting reporting earlier in November about the Gators’ opening – first reportedly set to interview with Florida and then reportedly removing his name from the mix.
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.
