Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall, who is set to take over the Florida Gators program after the season, shared heartbreaking news on Friday: his father, George Sumrall, passed away Thursday night.
In an emotional message posted to social media, Sumrall reflected on his father's final moments and the lasting impact George had on his life and career. “God gave us more time with my dad than we thought we would get,” Sumrall wrote.
“He left this Earth last night with Mom by his side in the house my brother Joe and I grew up in. He was always there for me and I know he will still be watching!
Love you always Dad!” The post included photos of George with Jon during his coaching stops at Troy, Tulane, and Florida.
It’s a deeply personal moment for Sumrall, who is balancing the weight of personal loss with the intensity of one of the biggest games of his coaching career. Despite accepting the Florida head coaching job on November 30, Sumrall remains committed to leading Tulane into its College Football Playoff matchup against Ole Miss on Saturday. That dual responsibility - coaching in a postseason game while preparing for a new chapter at an SEC powerhouse - speaks volumes about his character and leadership.
Sumrall has embraced the challenge of finishing what he started with the Green Wave. And it’s clear that his father played a significant role in shaping the mindset that’s carried him through this moment.
Love you always Dad! pic.twitter.com/U5s2fR6KCl
— Jon Sumrall (@CoachJonSumrall) December 19, 2025
In a profile published earlier this year, Sumrall credited his father, who spent years working for the U.S. Department of Defense and frequently traveled to the Pentagon, with helping him develop a grounded, mission-driven approach to life.
As Sumrall prepares to lead Tulane into a high-stakes postseason battle, he does so with the memory of his father close at heart - a man who supported him every step of the way and whose influence will no doubt be felt on the sideline this weekend.