Jon Sumrall responds to question about being ‘reined in’ by UF admin: ‘Are you sh—ing me?
By Andrew Olson
Published:
After a 4-0 start in September, everything about Florida football looks and feels different in October as the Gators have suffered back-to-back losses to Mizzou and South Carolina.
Some Gator fans on social media pondered if head coach Jon Sumrall had been “reined in” by higher-ups in the athletic department and university administration. Those fans felt that during the losing streak Sumrall had not been displaying the same energy he did in the first month of the season. In numerous clips, both leaked and officially released, Sumrall has used NSFW language that some fans speculated may have rubbed Sumrall’s superiors the wrong way.
Those fans concerned about Sumrall should like his response.
“Are you shitting me?” Sumrall responded to Graham Hall’s question. “Have I been reined in by who?”
Sumrall went on to say that he feels comfortable being himself with Executive Associate Athletics Director Duke Warner, Athletics Director Scott Stricklin and UF President Stewart Bell.
“Look. I took this job because when I took the job, the administration, I felt really strongly, wanted me to be me,” Sumrall said. “Whether that be Duke [Werner] or Scott Stricklin; Stuart Bell wasn’t here yet, but he’s been around me enough. I think he’s pretty comfortable with how direct and how vulgar I can be, maybe. Good luck reining me in.
“I think if there’s anything there, it’s probably to go back to when things are going good for our guys, I’m probably more of a maniac on everybody. When things aren’t going good, I have to figure out how to calm down because we are still young, maybe at times immature, emotional bunch.”
Sumrall noted a prior question about the fans booing.
“When the fans were booing, the worst thing I can go do is ‘MF’ our guys. Our guys at that point need me to go, ‘Hey, boys, it’s alright. They may be booing you, but I believe in you. Let’s go.’ Like, so, man, I don’t know,” Sumrall added.
“You ever watch Ted Lasso? … Ted Lasso, you know, sometimes when things are going good, you have to play the game a little bit. So no, if there’s anything there, it’s because when things aren’t going good, me just absolutely coming down on our guys would be a complete maniac; that’s not helping them when they’re going bad. When things are going good, I am maybe borderline nut-job on them. And so, nobody’s asked me how to — if anybody wants me to act differently, I wouldn have come here. So good luck trying to reel me in, or tell me how to do it or whatever. My wife’s tried, hasn’t worked for her. I’m not very good at being reeled in.”
Jon Sumrall on if he’s been “reined in” or muzzled by higher ups. Glad we can put this ridiculous narrative to rest. Yes, I believe him. https://t.co/SFGbJPREYT
— David Waters – Gators Breakdown (@GatorDave_GB) October 12, 2026
Sumrall and the Gators are on the road in Week 7 at Texas. The game is set for noon ET, airing on ABC.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
