Paul Finebaum Jokingly Mocks Newly Hired SEC Head Coach

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Paul Finebaum Jokingly Mocks Newly Hired SEC Head Coach

The SEC will have several new head coaches this college football season, including Florida Gators‘ head coach Jon Sumrall.

Sumrall has served as the head coach of the Tulane Green Wave for the past two seasons. Under his leadership, the team has compiled an impressive 20-7 record, earning a spot in the College Football Playoff. Sumrall is set to coach the Green Wave during their playoff run, which begins on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET, and will be on TNT, TruTV and HBO Max.

The Gators are eager to embark on a new era following the firing of head coach Billy Napier this season, but not everyone shares their enthusiasm about the new hire. SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum recently appeared on AL.com’s “Beat Everyone” podcast, where he discussed various topics, including a segment where he described several college football coaches, including Sumrall, using just one word.

New Florida Gators head football coach Jon Sumrall speaks during a press conference.© Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“Who?” Finebaum questioned.

Finebaum insisted he was joking. “I think Jon Sumrall, I would describe as consistent.” Sumrall aims to bring that consistency to Gainesville, where the Gators were once a prominent program known for being one of the best in the SEC.

However, they have struggled in recent years, failing to win double-digit games since the 2019 season. In fact, they have experienced losing seasons in four of the last five years, including a disappointing 4-8 record this year.

Sumrall will need to address his quarterback situation following the announcement from promising young quarterback DJ Lagway that he intends to enter the transfer portal. Lagway, a former five-star recruit, has accumulated 4,179 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and 23 interceptions throughout his career.

Related: Iconic College Football Coach a Favorite to Replace Jon Sumrall at Tulane

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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