Jon Sumrall Wants to Bring the Fire Back to Florida Football - Starting With the Offense
When Jon Sumrall stepped to the podium in Gainesville for his introductory press conference, he didn’t just talk about winning. He talked about scoring - and a lot of it. For a fan base that’s watched the Gators offense sputter and stall over the past few seasons, that message landed like a deep ball in stride.
Sumrall, who grew up watching Steve Spurrier’s Fun ‘N Gun era light up college football in the '90s, made it clear: he wants Florida to get back to stretching the field, threatening every blade of grass, and putting points on the board with authority.
And after four years under Billy Napier where the Gators finished dead last in the SEC in points per game (21.6), that vision feels like more than just a change - it feels like a necessary reset.
A New Era Begins - With the Ball in Playmakers’ Hands
Sumrall didn’t mince words about what needs fixing. Florida ranked 13th in the SEC in total yards and passing yards per game last season.
Explosive? Not even close.
But Sumrall sees potential in the roster, especially after watching running back Jadan Baugh explode for 266 yards against Florida State just days before he took the job.
“I watched that game Saturday before I went and played Saturday, and I'm like, hey, can I give the ball to No. 13 ten more times?” Sumrall said. “Because if an offensive coordinator doesn't know what to do, that's a pretty good choice.”
That’s the kind of statement that resonates with Gator fans. Too often, it felt like Florida’s best weapons were underused or misused. Baugh, quarterback DJ Lagway, and wideouts like Dallas Wilson and Vernell Brown III were all in attendance at the presser - and Sumrall made sure to praise them directly.
He knows the talent is there. Now it’s about building an offense that unleashes it.
Building the Offense: “We Want to Be Explosive”
Sumrall’s offensive philosophy is rooted in aggression and balance. He wants to stretch defenses vertically and horizontally, and he’s not shy about leaning on the run game to do it. At Tulane, Sumrall’s teams consistently featured productive ground attacks - this season was his first without a 1,000-yard rusher, but even then, his quarterback Jake Retzlaff ran for over 500 yards.
That’s the kind of dual-threat dynamic Sumrall wants to bring to Gainesville.
“It all starts with the quarterback and the pieces around him,” he said. “We'll get elite skill players here - we've got some already - and we've got to keep them. Our O-line has to play with a demeanor that's nasty and that is a force to be reckoned with, and that'll happen.”
Sumrall’s vision is clear: Florida football should be fast, physical, and fearless on offense. That message has already started to resonate with program legends. Danny Wuerffel, who sat in on the coaching interviews, said Sumrall emphasized the need for offensive fireworks.
“He said, ‘I understand the Florida brand. We want to be explosive. We want to score a lot of points,’” Wuerffel recalled.
Offensive Coordinator Search: No Handouts, Just the Best Fit
Sumrall is a defensive-minded coach by trade, so his first major hire in Gainesville will be crucial - an offensive coordinator who can bring his vision to life. But don’t expect him to just bring in a buddy from his past.
“When I walk into a new place, the first thing I do is assess what's there,” Sumrall said. “There will be some folks that stay.
Then I may bring a few that have been around me. There's going to be some people that haven't been here and haven't been with me that need to be added to help us get the best group of people together to win championships and serve our players.”
That’s a strong signal: this isn’t about comfort or connections. It’s about getting the right people in the building.
Joe Craddock, Sumrall’s offensive coordinator at Tulane, is one possibility. He helped engineer high-powered offenses at both Tulane and Troy, making him a logical candidate. But with new general manager Dave Caldwell in the mix - and his NFL ties - the search could expand well beyond Sumrall’s immediate circle.
Names to Watch in the OC Search
A few names have already surfaced in the search for Florida’s next offensive play-caller:
- Kade Bell: Currently Pittsburgh’s offensive coordinator, Bell is the son of former Gators QB Kerwin Bell. He’s helped turn Pitt into a top-20 scoring offense in 2025 and has a reputation for creative, aggressive play design.
- Joey Halzle: Tennessee’s OC and a longtime protégé of Josh Heupel, Halzle has overseen the SEC’s top offense this season and a top-10 unit nationally. His tempo and vertical passing concepts would fit well with Sumrall’s vision.
- Neal Brown: The former West Virginia head coach has been linked to other jobs, including the head coaching role at North Texas, but his offensive background makes him a name to monitor.
- Brian Daboll: A long shot, but certainly a headline-grabber. Recently let go by the New York Giants, Daboll made the playoffs in New York and helped develop Josh Allen into a superstar in Buffalo.
He also won a national title as Alabama’s OC in 2017. His connection to Caldwell - they were high school teammates - adds a layer of intrigue, even if the odds are slim.
The Bottom Line
Florida football has been stuck in neutral for too long. Jon Sumrall is here to shift it into high gear - and he’s starting under the hood, with an offense that’s long overdue for a tune-up.
He’s got the vision. He’s got the pieces. Now, it’s about finding the right architect to build the attack - one that can bring the Gators back to their high-flying, scoreboard-burning roots.
If Sumrall gets this hire right, the Swamp might just start feeling like the '90s again. And that’s exactly what Florida fans have been waiting for.