![Former coach Steve Spurrier listens before a press conference with new UF head football coach Jon Sumrall at the James W. “Bill” Heavener Football Training Center in Gainesville, FL on Monday, December 1, 2025. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_246,w_2635,h_1482/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/213/01kbg4apakwpagp0bhpw.jpg "Former coach Steve Spurrier listens before a press conference with new UF head football coach Jon Sumrall at the James W. “Bill” Heavener Football Training Center in Gainesville, FL on Monday, December 1, 2025. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]")
The Florida Gators can rest easy knowing they are not in the same boat as Florida State right now. While many fans may not be too happy with Scott Stricklin's decision to hire Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall to be the Gators' next head football coach, at least Florida didn't do what Florida State did.
After two seasons of not being bowl-eligible, Florida State fans were practically begging the administration to fire head coach Mike Norvell. Instead, the Seminoles announced he would return for the 2026 season. Many speculate that the reason for that decision is that Florida State doesn't have the money to afford Norvell's buyout right now.
That is the big kicker when deciding to fire a head coach before their contract is up; there is usually a hefty buyout involved. When Florida fired Billy Napier, his buyout was worth $21.2 million, and Norvell's buyout right now is $58.7 million.
Former Florida head coach Steve Spurrier threw a lot of shade at Mike Norvell and Florida State
Spurrier can’t help himself:
— Henry Ramos (@RamosGator) December 2, 2025
“FSU, they’ve got some issues. They’ve got a coach they can’t get rid of, cuz they don’t have the money to let him go… so that’s where they’re at.”
🐊 https://t.co/szmvwKpllU pic.twitter.com/EyQVEwxon4
Florida officially introduced Jon Sumrall in a press conference on Monday, and the new Gators coach was welcomed to Gainesville with all the pomp and circumstance, as well as some famous Florida legends.
Former coaches like Spurrier and Urban Meyer made an appearance, as well as former players like Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel. After greeting Sumrall, Spurrier went on his weekly podcast and spoke about Florida, including the new hire.
Spurrier said many great things about Sumrall, but also made time to throw some shade at Florida State in the process. The former Gator legend made sure that fans knew they were lucky not to be in the position the Seminoles are in right now.
"FSU, they’ve got some issues," Spurrier said. "They’ve got a coach they can’t get rid of, cause they don’t have the money to let him go… so that’s where they’re at."
Florida fans may not be happy, but at least Sumrall could come in and surprise a lot of people. The Gators could be worse off with Napier still in the building and fans having to deal with the way he coaches for longer than they wanted to.