The Florida Gators are continuing to build out their new-look football staff under head coach Jon Sumrall, and one of the latest key pieces is Cole Heard, who is expected to join the program as chief of staff.
Heard brings a strong resume and a deep familiarity with Sumrall’s system, having worked alongside him at both Troy and Tulane. Most recently, Heard served as general manager at Tulane, where he helped elevate the Green Wave’s recruiting and roster-building efforts over the past two seasons. His move to Gainesville represents a reunion with Sumrall and a continuation of a partnership that’s already produced impressive results at the Group of Six level.
Heard’s impact at Tulane wasn’t just noticeable - it was nationally recognized. After his first season in New Orleans, he earned a spot on CBS Sports’ list of the top 22 general managers in Division I football.
That kind of recognition doesn’t come easy, especially at a non-Power Four program. But Tulane, under Sumrall and Heard, punched above its weight on the recruiting trail, landing back-to-back top-two transfer portal classes in the American Athletic Conference and even pulling in former BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff just last week.
Heard’s recruiting chops go beyond his time at Tulane. Before joining Sumrall at Troy in 2023, he spent two seasons at UCF as assistant director of recruiting under Gus Malzahn.
That stint gave him valuable experience in the Florida recruiting landscape - a crucial asset now that he’s stepping into a high-profile role with the Gators. His career also includes time at Jacksonville State, his alma mater, where he started as a graduate assistant in player personnel and later held several internship roles, including a stop with the Cleveland Browns in 2019.
What Florida is getting in Heard is a rising star in the personnel world - someone who knows how to identify talent, build rosters, and navigate the ever-evolving recruiting world with confidence and precision. His Alabama roots, combined with his experience in Florida and the Southeast, position him as a key asset in Sumrall’s effort to reshape the Gators’ program.
And Heard isn’t the only familiar face making the move from Tulane to Gainesville. Sumrall’s staff is taking shape quickly, with several additions announced following the Green Wave’s season-ending loss to Ole Miss in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
Among those joining the Gators are Johnathan Galante (special teams coordinator), Joe Craddock (quarterbacks coach), Byron “Bam” Hardmon (outside linebackers), Greg Gasparato (inside linebackers), Evan McKissack (tight ends), and Rusty Whitt (strength and conditioning coach). Florida is also retaining Jesse Ackerman as part of its strength and conditioning staff.
Earlier, the Gators locked in Buster Faulkner as offensive coordinator and Brad White as defensive coordinator - two hires that signal a clear intent to blend fresh energy with proven leadership. Florida is also in the process of finalizing several other key assistant roles, including Marcus Davis (wide receivers), Phil Trautwein (offensive line), Brandon Harris (defensive backs), and Chris Collins (safeties).
Off-the-field support is getting a boost as well, with Ryland Goede, Emil Ekiyor, A.J. Erdely, Dylan Dockery, and Mike Polly all expected to join the program in various roles.
All told, this is a comprehensive overhaul - and one that reflects Sumrall’s vision for Florida football. With Cole Heard helping drive the operation behind the scenes, the Gators are positioning themselves to be more aggressive, more strategic, and more competitive in the battles that matter most: on the field and on the recruiting trail.