Why Jon Sumrall is the best thing to happen to Florida football

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A few hours before Jon Sumrall stepped on the podium in the big room at SEC media days on Wednesday, he had already said a lot about playing a nine-game SEC schedule in a conference's new format.

“I’m not going to whine and complain about being an SEC head coach”

Sumrall's energy was impossible to ignore at SEC Media Days. Whether discussing Florida's offseason growth and renewed accountability in Tampa or later sharing the SEC Network set with Nick Saban, the 44-year-old coach exuded confidence. His enthusiasm never wavered, not even when a reporter's cell phone alarm interrupted him in the middle of answering a question

“That drives me crazy,” Sumrall said. He added, saying that if the same thing occurred in a team meeting, the player would be kicked out. “You’re lucky I’m not going to throw this freaking podium right now.”

If you followed Sumrall's career, you know that he is excellent at connecting with people.

Coaching is about communication and messaging people. Sumrall understands how to communicate better than most coaches, and it was evident at SEC media days.

“I think Jon Sumrall is very, very impressive,” Saban said on SEC Network. “That guy has the right stuff. He talks about the right things in terms of intangibles to build a program and a culture that’s going to sustain, and Florida, I think, is a sleeping giant.”

Since Urban Meyer's departure following Florida's second national title in three seasons, the Gators have cycled through multiple head coaches, each showing promise but ultimately falling short of restoring the historic program.

Florida has endured seven losing SEC seasons since 2010, compared to just six winning conference campaigns.

Florida has also failed to hit the nine-win mark in each of the last 6 seasons.

Now, many believe the Gators have finally found the right leader. Jon Sumrall has the potential to be the most impactful hire for Florida football in nearly two decades.

“I think you have to have a great attitude in what you do,” Sumrall stated.

“When adversity hits, I don’t change. Attitude and adversity were a focus, talking about how that’s exactly what lands you what you want and where you need to be. I think this team is going to be all about doing the things that require no talent.”

Sumrall has built a reputation for turning programs around. He inherited a Troy team coming off losing seasons and rebuilt them, then guided Tulane to a College Football Playoff appearance.

Now, he takes over a Florida program looking to rebound from a disappointing 4-8 season. Unlike many rebuilding jobs, the Gators return a talented core led by Jadan Baugh, Dallas Wilson and Jayden Woods, giving Sumrall a strong foundation to build on.

His track record, attention to detail, and ability to connect with players have fueled optimism that Florida is headed in the right direction. If his previous stops are any indication, the Gators may have made the best decision for the program in the last two decades.

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Why Jon Sumrall is the best thing to happen to Florida football

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