As Tulane gears up for a monumental College Football Playoff showdown with Ole Miss, head coach Jon Sumrall is navigating far more than just the X’s and O’s. On Friday, Sumrall shared the heartbreaking news that his father, George Sumrall, has passed away.
In a heartfelt message posted to social media, Sumrall reflected on his father’s enduring influence and the strength of his family. “God gave us more time with my Dad than we thought we would get,” he wrote.
“He left this Earth last night with my Mom by his side in the house my brother Joe and I grew up in. Dad was a fighter.
I learned so much from him… being a man of faith, grit, hard work, attitude, service and more.”
The post included touching photos of George Sumrall with the family, including a moment captured shortly after Jon was introduced as the next head coach at Florida. Despite the demands of the job and the weight of the moment, Sumrall’s message was one of gratitude, love, and resilience. He recalled his father’s presence at Tulane’s recent conference championship win and the press conference in Gainesville just days later - moments now etched even deeper into memory.
“It doesn’t get sweeter or tougher than my Mom,” Sumrall added. “Mom and Dad have set a great example for Ginny and I on marriage, parenting and commitment. Love you always Dad!”
A Coach Balancing Grief and Greatness
Sumrall’s announcement comes at a time when he’s already balancing one of the most high-pressure stretches of his coaching career. After being named the new head coach at Florida on November 30, he made it clear he’s not checking out early. He remains fully locked in with Tulane, guiding the Green Wave into their biggest game of the season - and arguably the biggest in program history.
Tulane enters its first-round playoff matchup against Ole Miss as a heavy underdog, but don’t let that fool you. This is a team that’s earned its spot.
The Green Wave are 11-2 on the season and just captured the American Athletic Conference title. It’s been a meteoric rise under Sumrall, who’s in just his second season with the program.
Before arriving in New Orleans, Sumrall built a strong résumé at Troy, going 23-4 over two seasons. He followed that up with a 9-5 debut campaign at Tulane, and now, with an AAC title and a playoff berth under his belt, he’s headed to the SEC - but not before finishing what he started.
Locked In Despite the Noise
Coaching transitions are never easy, and Sumrall’s situation is even more complex. He’s managing a program in the College Football Playoff while simultaneously preparing to take over at one of the most high-profile jobs in the country. And now, he’s doing it with a heavy heart.
But if there’s one thing Sumrall has shown throughout his coaching journey, it’s that he doesn’t shy away from adversity. His father’s legacy - of faith, grit, and service - is clearly woven into the way he leads.
And as Tulane prepares to take the field against Ole Miss, the Green Wave will be playing for more than just a shot at the title. They’ll be playing for a coach who’s giving them everything he has, even in the face of personal loss.
Saturday’s matchup will be a test of more than just football strategy. It’ll be a testament to resilience, leadership, and the emotional weight that often runs beneath the surface of the sport. For Jon Sumrall, it’s a chance to honor his father the best way he knows how - by leading with heart, purpose, and unshakable focus.