Tulane University President Michael Fitts announced that head football coach Jon Sumrall is leaving the Green Wave for the University of Florida Gators in an email Sunday afternoon. The decision comes as programs scramble to pick up head coaches across the country.
“We wish Coach Sumrall every success in the future, and we are grateful for his continuation of the proud legacy of Green Wave football, as well as the impact he has made in the lives of our student-athletes,” Fitts said in the email.
David Harris, Ben Weiner Director of Athletics, announced Sumrall’s departure on Instagram the same day. According to the post, Sumrall will continue to lead the Green Wave into the American Conference Championship and potentially into the College Football Playoff.
Sumrall began his career at Tulane two years ago after leading Troy University to a 23-4 record and two Sun Belt championships. This season, Sumrall led the Green Wave to a 10-2 record and a second conference championship game. During his tenure at Tulane, Sumrall had a 19-7 record, Fitts said in the email.
This week, Tulane ranked No. 21 in the AP Top 25 poll. Tulane’s opponent in the American Conference Championship, the University of North Texas, is ranked No. 20.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Florida is finalizing a six-year contract that would see Sumrall earn an average of nearly $7.5 million per year. Earlier this season, the Gators fired head coach Billy Napier, who had a 22-23 record over four years.
The world of college football coaching has recently been shaken up by departures and firings at major programs, including the University of Arkansas, Louisiana State University, Oklahoma State University and Pennsylvania State University.
LSU announced that Lane Kiffin, head coach at the University of Mississippi will replace Brian Kelly as head coach of the Tigers.
Tulane has formed a search committee to find a new head coach, Fitts said in the email.
Frederick Fassbender • Nov 30, 2025 at 6:00 pm
Get Billy Napier, coached at ULL and knows Louisiana