Jon Sumrall explains why it’s easier to coach players in NIL era
By Andrew Olson
Published:
In the NIL era, college sports has become more professional as athletes openly negotiate contracts for their compensation. The change was off-putting for many coaches, but Jon Sumrall said he prefers the professional dynamic, calling it easier to coach players.
The topic came up when Sumrall appeared on Sirius XM’s College Sports Radio.
“I actually think it’s easier. Because like, if a guy wants to like act some sort of way about having to do something tough, I’m like, ‘Dude, you make money. Shut up, bro.’
“Like you’re getting paid dog, like, like put the work in. I think some coaches with this new world we’re living in – the transfer portal NIL – have gotten softer. I’ve probably gotten crazier.
“I’m like, ‘No, don’t tell me about this is too hard.’ Like we’re all pros here. Be a pro.”
The Florida job is Sumrall’s first Power 4 head coaching gig. In the NIL era, Sumrall has coached Troy (2022-23) and Tulane (2024-25). He brings SEC experience as an assistant at Ole Miss (2018) and Kentucky (2005-06, 2019-21).
“Don’t tell me about, 'this is too hard.’ We are all pros here. Be a pro.”@CoachJonSumrall tells @DustyDvoracek & @dannykanell he treats his guys like professional athletes now in the NIL era.@GatorsFB pic.twitter.com/n4mbz4gICx
— College Sports on SiriusXM (@SXMCollege) February 17, 2026
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
