After a long coaching search with a lot of names mentioned as potential candidates, the Florida Gators ended up hiring former Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall to lead the program forward.
During the middle of the season, Florida decided to part ways with Billy Napier. It was a move that brought fans hope for the future. Sumrall has been met with mixed reactions since being hired, but it sure sounds like many love the move.
The Gators are hoping to find their next Steve Spurrier or Urban Meyer. They need someone who can bring back championship expectations to Gainesville. Sumrall might just be that guy.
With that in mind, Spurrier spoke out with his thoughts on the Sumrall hiring for Florida.
"I think his attitude, his emotion… you know, teams take on the characteristics of their coaches. I guarantee you this guy hates losing—you can tell that. So you find me a guy who hates losing, he doesn't lose too much, it seems like," Spurrier said. "Yeah, Jon's a guy that's got that energy and enthusiasm. The guy's going to play their hearts out, I really believe that."
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Hearing that kind of endorsement from a Gators legend should help put some fans at ease. Florida cannot afford to miss with the Sumrall hiring, and Spurrier certainly sounds like he doesn't think that will be the case.
Sumrall coached at Tulane for two years. He compiled a 19-7 record. Before that, he coached Troy for two seasons and ended up going 23-4.
Everywhere he has been, he has found success. The Gators are banking on that being the case for a third straight time.
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It will be interesting to see what the future has in store for the Florida football program. Over the years, a lot of success has been achieved. Recently, the teams have not lived up to the expectations.
If Spurrier is correct, that will change with Sumrall leading the way.
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