The Jon Sumrall era at Tulane is officially over, and his time with the Florida Gators is truly about to begin. Following the Tulane Green Wave's loss to Ole Miss in the first round of the College Football Playoff, everyone knew that Sumrall would be leaving New Orleans for Gainesville.
However, unlike many programs that lost their head coach this year, Green Wave players only seemed grateful for Sumrall's time with Tulane.
After all was said and done, Sumrall took to social media to thank Tulane for his time with the program with what truly felt like a meaningful and heartfelt. Then, players did the same, thanking Sumrall for everything he had given them.
Tulane players grateful for Jon Sumrall
"A true leader of men! Thank you for everything, coach," Jack Tchienchou, a third-year safety, wrote on X.
The praise that Sumrall received from his former players should only make fans of the Gators even more excited to have him as their new head coach.
Unlike certain head coaches *cough Lane Kiffin cough,* who only seem to have former players bashing on their character, Sumrall has genuinely emerged from the situation as a standout individual.
"Man, I can’t explain how special he is… not just as a coach but as a person. He’s one of those people that you will always have a connection with, no matter where you are in life. Thank you for helping me become a champion. Love you, Coach," Makai Williams, a junior linebacker, posted on X.
Florida is trying to rapidly move on from its Billy Napier era, filled with losses and disappointments beyond belief. So, to see the kind words for Sumrall should have Gators feeling happy at the very least.
"Hell of a coach, but a better man. Impact resides in the way you treat people, not in what you can do for them. In Sumrall’s corner for life!!" Darion Reed, sophomore offensive lineman, wrote on X.
Sumrall did a wonderful job of balancing the two jobs: coaching Tulane alongside recruiting and hiring at Florida. His balancing act has paid off, as his top recruits follow him to Gainesville, and the players staying in New Orleans cannot speak more highly of their former coach.
"Thank you [Jon Sumrall]. You gave your heart to [Green Wave football] and led us to a championship and our first-ever berth in the CFP. You will forever be a member of the Green Wave family. I wish you nothing but success at Florida. Much respect and appreciation to you always," David Harris, the Director of Athletics Chair at Tulane, shared on X.