Florida Pulls Back on Kiffin, Sets Sights on Tulane’s Jon Sumrall — Auburn Also in the Mix

GAINESVILLE / NEW ORLEANS — With Lane Kiffin effectively out of the race for the head-coaching job at Florida Gators, the program is now pursuing a different rising name: Jon Sumrall, the 43-year-old head coach of the Tulane Green Wave. The news — first reported by ESPN — arrives as the coaching carousel around the Southeastern Conference (SEC) accelerates.

Kiffin had long been viewed as Florida’s top target to replace recently dismissed coach Billy Napier. But according to Florida officials, inconsistent communication from Kiffin’s camp raised doubts about his commitment. That, coupled with growing interest from other schools, prompted the Gators to step away.

With Kiffin out of the picture — at least for now — Sumrall has emerged as a leading candidate for Florida. He is also reportedly being courted by Auburn Tigers, which is looking to replace its previous coach, Hugh Freeze.

Sumrall’s credentials: a proven winner at the mid-major level. During two seasons at Troy Trojans, he amassed a 23–4 record and captured back-to-back Sun Belt titles. Now at Tulane, he has helped steer the Green Wave to a strong record and into serious contention for a conference championship — and possibly a College Football Playoff berth.

Still, there are some wrinkles. Sumrall reportedly canceled a scheduled meeting with Florida earlier this week and removed his name from the Gators’ search at the time — a move that fueled speculation he may instead be leaning toward Auburn or even waiting on a potential opening at another SEC school.

Meanwhile, many eyes remain on Kiffin, who is expected to make a decision after coaching the Ole Miss Rebels in today’s Egg Bowl against Mississippi State Bulldogs. His choice — stay at Ole Miss or accept a reported offer from the LSU Tigers — could influence which coaching spots open elsewhere, including at Ole Miss itself.

For Florida, the pivot to Sumrall marks a shift in strategy — from chasing high-profile names to zeroing in on a rising coach who’s won where it counts. Whether Sumrall accepts or takes a different path, the next 48 hours may reshape the power structure across the SEC.