It became clear on Friday that Scott Stricklin and the University of Florida were hopping off the “Lane Train” signifying the end of the Gators’ hunt for Lane Kiffin to become their next head coach. On3 reported that Kiffin’s decision was coming down to LSU and Ole Miss, meaning Florida was unofficially out of the picture.
NEW: Lane Kiffin will choose between LSU and Ole Miss, @clowfb confirms.
— On3 (@On3sports) November 28, 2025
Florida is no longer in the race.https://t.co/80tzbpVRDr https://t.co/AfRzS9Nlh3 pic.twitter.com/U7e7gmwvSB
But as the train halts on Kiffin, the Gators appeared to once be full steam ahead on Tulane's head coach Jon Sumrall.
Moments after they talked about Kiffin narrowing his decision, On3 reported Florida has turned its attention back to Sumrall. It’s been a shaky ride with Sumrall and the Gators. Last week, it was reported that Sumrall and the Gators had called off their scheduled meeting making, it appear that he was off the table. But now the page has turned, and it is confirmed that the 42nd head coach of Tulane is still in the picture and the Gators are putting their focus on trying to bring Sumrall to Florida.
NEW: Florida has turned its attention to Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall, with Lane Kiffin down to Ole Miss and LSU.
— On3 (@On3sports) November 28, 2025
(per @PeteNakos, @clowfb and @Brett_McMurphy) https://t.co/zGyRqC6DPr https://t.co/7MVPoEQg2V pic.twitter.com/KaLTOFrrVi
This story aligns with a post on X from Pete Thamel of ESPN and College Gameday. Thamel reported that according to sources, Sumrall is expected to make a decision on his coaching future Sunday. Tulane plays host to Charlotte in New Orleans on Saturday, and now the question that stands is, is this Sumrall’s final game with the Green Wave? Will Sumrall join The Swamp? Per Thamel, his decision includes heavy SEC favorites, Auburn, and as it became more clear on Friday, the University of Florida. Despite the odds, it does appear that Florida could land Sumrall after all.
Sources: Tulane coach Jon Sumrall is expected to make a decision on his coaching future on Sunday morning. He's expected to choose between staying at Tulane, and his outside opportunities have included significant interest from Florida and Auburn. pic.twitter.com/mEiLUKgcvn
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 28, 2025
With one game left in the regular season, Tulane will finish the seasons with a winning 9-2 record (6-1 in division play).
While he has not garnered excitement from fans, Sumrall has shown success as one of the most successful head coaches in the country in the last two seasons. So while fans aren’t showing their enthusiasm for Sumrall, scouts have praised his success. So at the end of the day, this could be a move that defies the odds for Florida.