Florida’s coaching search pivots from Kiffin to Sumrall

Florida is moving on from Lane Kiffin and targeting Tulane’s Jon Sumrall as its next coach, a person familiar with the search told the Associated Press.

- STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

ROGELIO V. SOLIS Associated Press

TULANE'S Jon Sumrall reportedly is being lured by Florida and is a front-runner for the job at Auburn.

The person spoke Friday on condition of anonymity because negotiations are ongoing and nothing is finalized. Sumrall also is considered to be Auburn’s top target to replace Hugh Freeze. On3 first reported the Gators’ decision to continue their search without Kiffin, which came after getting lukewarm feedback from the Mississippi coach and his camp in recent days.

Sumrall and the 22nd-ranked Green Wave host Charlotte on Saturday, with a chance to lock up a spot in the American Conference title game next week. Tulane also could make the College Football Playoff. It’s unclear if Sumrall would remain with Tulane for the postseason if he took another job.

The 43-year-old Sumrall played linebacker at Kentucky (2002-04) and returned to his alma mater for a three-year stint before becoming Troy’s coach in 2022. He went 23-4 and won consecutive Sun Belt championships in two seasons with the Trojans and then had similar success at Tulane.

The Green Wave are 18-7 in Sumrall’s two years in New Orleans. Getting him away from Auburn — he’s a native of Huntsville, Ala., and his wife graduated from Auburn — would be considered a solid pull in many circles.