Jon Sumrall had to do a double take when his son offered harsh criticism after loss to South Carolina

College football coaches are well compensated and with that money comes a lot of stress and pressure. Sometimes that pressure can filter down to the family and Jon Sumrall got a taste of that in Week 6 when his son decided not to stick around to see the end of the Florida Gators' 38-19 homecoming loss to South Carolina.

Sumrall's son, Sam, sent a stern, but somewhat humorous text to his father, which was followed by an equally hilarious replay.

"Dad, I don't know if this is forgivable," the text from Sam Sumrall read.

"Well, son, you've done a few things that I don't know if I can forgive you for either," his father replied. 

As if Jon Sumrall didn't feel bad enough after Saturday's loss, now his own flesh and blood has joined the masses in their criticism of his team. I guess college football is a lot like politics because if you really need a friend, get a dog. 

Jon Sumrall finds the toughest criticism comes from home

This is kind of funny and Sumrall had a little fun making light of the whole situation. What was less fun, but just as heartwarming, was Sumrall's daughter Sadie in tears as the family joined the band for the alma mater. Sadie Sumrall told her dad that her emotions came from hating to see him lose a game. Now that's love.

It also reminds me of a far less pleasant experience that Ryan Day and his family went through after Ohio State lost to Michigan in 2024. It was the Buckeyes' fourth loss to the Wolverines in a row and the entire Day family took it hard and Day acknowledged that the vitrol from Ohio State fans after that loss had his family ready to move on. This game is something that takes over the life of a family. We all hope there will be a lot of great days ahead for Sumrall and the people closest to him, but there will also be rough days. 

Sam and Sadie will get older and their reactions to losses will change. Sumrall has been a victim of his own success up to this point, with just 12 losses total in his first four seasons. Plus, the fanbases at Troy and Tulane were less vocal if they had any displeasure with a game. Florida fans, however, will let you know how they feel, and it's possible the Sumrall kids have had to hear some of that.

It's the part of being a head coach at a big-time football program that we don't often think of. The kids have to go to school and be around peers that might not always have the nicest things to say. They can occasionally be subject to hearing the anger of adults that cross their path as well. Most fans are respectful enough not to take it that far, but there's always a rotten apple among the bunch.

As for Jon Sumrall, there's no question he'll handle everything like a professional. He's been through the ups and the downs over his career and knows that tough love is part of the process. Even when it comes from your own family.

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