The coaching carousel is spinning so fast that Florida fans wondered who would be their new head football coach. There was a lot of hope that the Gaotrs would be able to land Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, but in the end, he landed at LSU, and Florida has to settle for another candidate that the administration is excited about, but fans are not as thrilled about.
Florida landed on former Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall, but fans wanted a flashier hire to lead the team next season. In the end, this coaching cycle is full of big-name programs, and athletic director Scott Stricklin went with the coach he felt would best lead the team.
Even though the fans may not be happy with the hire, Sumrall's probably at least made them smile with the way he step foot in Gainesville. Right as Sumrall came into view coming off the plane, he hit the famous Gator Chomp that had everyone on the ground going crazy.
Welcome to Gainesville, Coach 🐊 #GoGators pic.twitter.com/UFRNcNY0RT
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) December 1, 2025
If Sumrall has done one thing right, it is known that the Gator Chomp is very popular in Gainesville and fans are going to follow that no matter what.
Jon Sumrall is welcomed to Gainesville by some Florida legends
Sumrall's first official press conference went off without a hitch, and he said some things that the fans should be very happy about. What fans can be even happier about is who was there to greet the new head coach, as it is a sign that maybe this was the right hire for the Gators.
Right off the plane, Sumrall was greeted by former Gator and Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, who is still a very prominent figure in Gainesville today. Wuerffel embraced Sumrall as he walked down the blue carpet and was getting ready to head to his car, waiting to take him to the stadium.
Jon Sumrall embraced by @DannyWuerffel pic.twitter.com/c14BZkt2W8
— Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) December 1, 2025
While Sumrall was on his way to the stadium, there were many people waiting to hear what he had to say about joining this program, from reporters to players, and of course some Florida legends.
Steve Spurrier is here for Jon Sumrall’s introductory press conference. pic.twitter.com/kJR08RB2IX
— Alex Walker (@AlexWalkerTV) December 1, 2025
Legendary coach Steve Spurrier, who still comes around the facilities every once in a while, made an appearance to see the new head coach.
Here at the Jon Sumrall introductory press conference at Florida.
— Andy Staples (@AndyStaples) December 1, 2025
Awaiting a trio of VIPs. pic.twitter.com/i006OZQ7Lb
Along with Wuerffel and Spurrier, the former head coach, who brought Florida two National Championships to Gainesville, Urban Meyer was also there to see who would bring Florida into the future of college football.
![New UF head football coach Jon Sumrall and his family lands at University Air Center in Gainesville, FL on Monday, December 1, 2025. The coach will replace the recently fired Billy Napier. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun] New UF head football coach Jon Sumrall and his family lands at University Air Center in Gainesville, FL on Monday, December 1, 2025. The coach will replace the recently fired Billy Napier. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_112,w_2735,h_1538/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/213/01kbdsxep0z7rja3sd6e.jpg)