It didn’t take long for newly hired head coach Jon Sumrall to get on Florida fans’ good side.
“It’s the Florida freaking Gators man. I’ve got one of the best jobs in the world.”
Inside the James W. “Bill” Heavener Football Training Center, Sumrall spoke for the first time Monday in front of current players, former coaches and media.
Sumrall immediately embraced the challenge of the Florida job, taking the discomfort and pressure head on. Instead of pleading about his process, Sumrall showed urgency to win, and quickly.
“The standard here is championships. That’s why I came. I’m built for this job,” Sumrall said. “Winners win. I’m a winner. We’re going to win.”
As the press conference continued, Sumrall settled in and got comfortable. He made it clear that Florida was where he and his family wanted to be, and that they had a plethora of options to choose from, and that he wants to coach Florida for a long time.
“We had options. We had choices. My wife and I sat down and chose Florida,” Sumrall said. “Florida had to choose us, but we chose it back.”
Addressed Billy Napier comparisons
As expected, questions surrounding Sumrall’s similarities to Napier, resume-wise, were presented. Sumrall didn’t back down, took the question and ran with it.
“No two people are the same,” Sumrall quipped.
Sumrall pleaded that the fans give him a chance and to “judge me for who I am.”
When speaking, Sumrall showed confidence, poise, personality and self-awareness, much different than his predecessor, sparking hope in Florida fans.
Provided a plan for his staff and roster retention
A priority coming into his first public appearance as Florida’s head coach, Sumrall made an effort to connect with current Florida players face-to-face.
With many Gators in attendance, including wide receiver Dallas Wilson and Vernell Brown III, quarterback DJ Lagway, defensive lineman Michai Boireau and Jamari Lyons, EDGE Jayden Woods and linebacker Myles Graham, Sumrall made his pitch.
His first mention? Florida star running back Jadan Baugh.
“I watched that game Saturday before we played our game, and I said “Hey, can we give the ball to No. 13 like 10 more times?”
Sumrall continued, speaking on the defense.
“We got some dudes on defense. We got some killers.”
In addition to shouting out the current roster, he made it clear that he would not stock his staff with his buddies, or his former commits.
“I don’t hire my friends,” Sumrall said bluntly.
When speaking to Tulane’s recruiting class, Sumrall told them to stay put and sign with the Green Wave.
“I don’t want to steal their class.”
Looking at you, Willie Fritz.
Threw shots at various coaches
Fritz and Napier weren’t the only coaches that Sumrall took shots at.
Sumrall shaded LSU head coach Lane Kiffin, stating he wanted to finish Tulane’s season “the right way,” thanking the Florida administration for letting him finish what he started in New Orleans.
Florida’s 31st head coach told the media that he spoke with Kiffin, who agreed he was the right person for the job.
“Lane Kiffin and I have been going through the same thing. And we’ve talked a lot,” Sumrall said. “And we both agreed that I was the best guy for this job.”
Wants to bring back the infamous “Gator Bait” chant
Toward the end of his appearance, Sumrall also name-dropped the now-retired/banned “Gator Bait” chant when reminiscing on his memories of The Swamp.
Conclusion
It’s impossible to lose the first press conference.
Yet, Sumrall knocked it out of the park, hit on key components of his program, explained that his coaching jobs in the past do not reflect the present and future, and proved that he is much different than Napier.
Florida needed a killer, and Sumrall lives, breathes and sleeps football. A former linebacker, he’s definitely got some screws loose.
And that’s exactly what Florida needed to get back into contention.
The 43-year-old spoke with conviction and understands that the only results that matter come on the field, consistently stating that he is a winner, and he is cut out for the Florida job, expectations be damned.
“I don’t want to win in eight years, I want to win tomorrow.”
Sumrall was personable, humorous and easy to listen to, and wasn’t afraid to check a reporter for being wrong.
Signs of life in Gainesville, Florida.
Only time will tell, but Sumrall acts the part thus far.
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