When Jon Sumrall took the reins as head coach, he didn’t just bring a résumé - he brought a blueprint. After compiling a 42-11 record over four seasons at Troy and Tulane, including back-to-back Sun Belt titles and a string of conference championship appearances, Sumrall has shown he knows how to build a winner.
His teams have been tough, disciplined, and defensively sound - trademarks of a coach who understands how to maximize his roster. Now, stepping into the SEC spotlight, he’s leaning on both his past success and his familiarity with the league from previous assistant stops at Kentucky and Ole Miss.
It’s a big jump, but the foundation is strong. Grade: A-
Offense: Built for Speed, Balance, and Development
Offensive Coordinator: Buster Faulkner
Faulkner’s résumé speaks for itself.
Three national championships at Georgia, a revitalized offense at Georgia Tech, and a reputation for developing quarterbacks and dialing up explosive plays - this is a hire that signals intent. He’s not just bringing schemes; he’s bringing championship DNA.
His ability to adapt to personnel and elevate quarterback play fits perfectly with what this program needs to compete in the SEC. Grade: A
Quarterbacks Coach: Joe Craddock
Craddock has been in the trenches with Sumrall before, helping engineer efficient, productive passing offenses at Troy and Tulane.
He’s been an OC at multiple stops, and his familiarity with Sumrall’s system should help the transition feel seamless. Add in prior SEC experience at Arkansas, and you’ve got a coach who knows what it takes to develop quarterbacks under pressure.
Grade: B+
Offensive Line Coach: Phil Trautwein
This is a home-run hire.
Trautwein, a former All-SEC lineman at Florida, brings a wealth of experience from Penn State and Boston College, where he developed multiple NFL draft picks - including first-rounders. He’s a proven recruiter and technician, and his ties to the region only strengthen the staff’s ability to lock down talent.
Grade: A
Wide Receivers Coach: Marcus Davis
Davis is a name on the rise.
With stops at Auburn, Georgia Southern, and Hawaii, he’s built a solid résumé as a recruiter and developer of wideouts. His roots as a former Auburn player give him strong ties to the region, and his work in pass-heavy systems gives him the tools to elevate the receiver room.
Grade: B
Tight Ends Coach: Evan McKissack
McKissack followed Sumrall from Troy to Tulane, and while he’s still early in his coaching journey, he’s already shown he can contribute to a balanced, effective offense.
His time as a GA at Kentucky adds some SEC seasoning. This is a coach with potential - and a head coach who clearly trusts him.
Grade: B-
Defense: Built on SEC Grit and NFL Pedigree
Defensive Coordinator: Brad White
This is a big-time get.
White ran one of the SEC’s most consistent defenses at Kentucky for seven seasons, routinely ranking among the league’s best in total and scoring defense. He’s developed NFL talent, understands the grind of the SEC, and has prior experience working with Sumrall - which bodes well for continuity and cohesion.
Grade: A
Defensive Line Coach: Gerald Chatman
Chatman stays on from the previous staff, and that’s a smart move.
He’s already made a noticeable impact on Florida’s defensive front and brings a strong track record from Tulane and LSU. His familiarity with the current roster and proven development chops make him a steadying presence.
Grade: B+
Outside Linebackers Coach: Bam Hardmon
A former Florida Gator himself, Hardmon brings plenty of linebacker coaching experience and has worked closely with Sumrall at both Troy and Tulane.
His units have been physical, smart, and productive - a reflection of his own playing style. He knows the expectations in Gainesville.
Grade: B
Inside Linebackers Coach: Greg Gasparato
Gasparato comes in fresh off a stint as Tulane’s defensive coordinator, where he helped guide a tough, disciplined defense.
He’s also spent time at Louisville and other programs, giving him a broad perspective and experience calling plays. He’s got the tools to grow into a bigger role down the line.
Grade: B
Safeties Coach: Chris Collins
Collins coached up some of the SEC’s stingiest secondaries at Kentucky, and his recruiting ability is a big plus.
His familiarity with Sumrall’s system and proven development of defensive backs make him a key piece in the back end. Grade: A-
Cornerbacks Coach: Brandon Harris
A former NFL cornerback, Harris is an up-and-comer with coaching stops at FAU and UCF.
He’s got strong recruiting ties in South Florida, which is always a valuable asset, and his playing experience gives him instant credibility in the room. Grade: B+
Special Teams and Strength: The Details Matter
Special Teams Coordinator: Johnathan Galante
Galante made an immediate impact at Tulane, turning around the special teams unit in just one season and earning a Broyles Award nomination in the process.
His earlier work at Marshall only reinforces his ability to elevate this often-overlooked phase of the game. Grade: A-
Strength & Conditioning: Rusty Whitt
Whitt has been in lockstep with Sumrall for years, and his approach to physical development fits the program’s identity.
With experience across multiple programs - and a military background that brings discipline and toughness - he’s a steady hand in a critical role. Grade: B+
Final Take: A Staff Built for the SEC Grind
This staff checks the right boxes: proven SEC experience, championship pedigree, player development, and recruiting reach. It blends high-level coordinators with trusted lieutenants, creating a mix of continuity and fresh energy. The hires reflect a clear vision - one rooted in physicality, discipline, and adaptability - and that’s exactly what it takes to compete in the toughest conference in college football.
Overall Staff Grade: A-