Jon Sumrall reportedly hiring SEC defensive coordinator as Florida DC
Published:
New Florida head coach Jon Sumrall is hitting the ground running in Gainesville. In his introductory press conference, he told reporters that he doesn’t hire his friends. That doesn’t mean he can pass up an opportunity when he sees one.
On Tuesday afternoon, CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported Sumrall is hiring former Kentucky defensive coordinator Brad White to the same position for the Gators. White seemingly became open to a change after the Wildcats dismissed Mark Stoops, whom he had coached under since 2018.
White’s track record speaks for itself. He oversaw top-25 defenses for 4 straight non-COVID seasons (2018-19, 2021-22) in Lexington. Kentucky allowed fewer than 20 points per game in 3 of those aforementioned campaigns.
Sumrall was a linebacker’s coach under White for 3 seasons (2019-21). One can assume they share similar defensive principles and visions for what the unit can become with the Gators’ enhanced recruiting abilities. Together, they should be able to create a stout Florida defense.
While landing White is a boon for Sumrall, he can’t stop there. Gators fans won’t be moved off their initial stance of his hire until he finds a difference-making offensive coordinator. But in roughly 48 hours on the job, he’s off to a good start.
