Jon Sumrall says Lane Kiffin endorsed him for Florida job: ‘He co-signed on that’
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
Florida initially had its sights on Lane Kiffin prior to LSU eventually landing him. The Gators ended up hiring Jon Sumrall on Sunday to succeed Billy Napier in Gainesville.
During his opening press conference, the former Tulane head coach revealed that he’s been in contact with Kiffin, whom he claims endorsed him for the Florida job.
“Going through the process of making decisions on jobs this time of year,” Sumrall said. “Maybe not ideal in coaching in the season. There’s very few people that you can trust to maybe have that conversation with them about what it’s like to go through this because it’s unique. And I do want to be very direct on one thing… Lane Kiffin and I have been going through the same thing and we’ve talked a lot. We were both in agreement that I was the right man for this job. So, he co-signed on that.”
Sumrall flashing his personality as a first impression in Gainesville wasn’t meant as a slight to Kiffin.
“Lane is a dear friend,” Sumrall said. “And I have to poke a little fun at him.”
Sumrall has guided Tulane to a 10-2 record this season and a spot in the American Championship Game vs. North Texas. That puts the Green Wave in an ideal position to claim the Group of Five’s automatic bid for the College Football Playoff.
