With Lane Kiffin now looking increasingly likely to stay at Ole Miss or bolt for LSU, Florida’s high-profile pursuit of the Rebels’ head coach appears to be coming to an end. The Gators must now pivot to the next tier of candidates as they look to stabilize the program and re-establish themselves as SEC contenders.
Three names stand out as Florida moves into its next phase of the coaching search: Jon Sumrall, Jedd Fisch, and Brian Hartline. Each offers a different path for the Gators, one built on a winning pedigree, one rooted in rebuilding expertise, and one brimming with high-upside potential.
Jon Sumrall: Head Coach, Tulane Green Wave
Jon Sumrall has become one of the hottest names of this year’s coaching carousel, and for good reason. After posting a remarkable 23–4 record at Troy, including back-to-back Sun Belt championships and earning Sun Belt Coach of the Year honors, Sumrall took over at Tulane in 2024 and immediately kept the Green Wave rolling.
In his first season in New Orleans, he led Tulane to a 9–5 record and an AAC Championship Game appearance. This year, the Green Wave are 9–2 (6–1 AAC) with wins over Duke, Northwestern, and Memphis. Another victory this weekend would secure a second consecutive berth in the AAC title game.
Tulane has also been one of the best Group of Five programs, as measured by advanced metrics. According to PFSN:
- 53.77% chance to make the College Football Playoff (12th-best nationally)
- Offensive impact grade: 79.4
- Defensive impact grade: 72.7
Sumrall’s Southeastern roots make the fit even stronger. A former Kentucky linebacker (2002–04), Sumrall has SEC experience from his time coaching at Ole Miss and his subsequent return to Kentucky as co-defensive coordinator. With the Gators searching for toughness, identity, and player development, Sumrall checks every box and brings proven winning credentials with him.
Jedd Fisch: Head Coach, Washington Huskies
While much of the public conversation has revolved around splashier names, Josh Pate and other analysts have hinted that internal discussions within Florida’s administration may be drifting toward Washington head coach Jedd Fisch.
Fisch’s résumé is one of the most underrated in the sport. He engineered one of college football’s best recent turnarounds at Arizona, taking the Wildcats from 1 win to 10 wins in just three seasons. His overall record of 31–32 is misleading, dragged down by the rebuild he inherited in Tucson.
Since taking over Washington after Kalen DeBoer’s departure to Alabama, Fisch has kept the program competitive at 8–3 (5-3 conference record). His offenses have retained their modern flair, and his quarterback development, one of his strongest traits, remains sharp.
Perhaps most importantly for Florida fans: Fisch is a UF alumnus and former Gators assistant, with strong ties to the program and the region. He’s also upgraded Washington’s talent pipeline, securing top-25 recruiting classes in both 2025 and 2026. If Florida wants proven rebuilding experience paired with offensive innovation and a Gator-friendly background, Fisch is as logical a hire as any on the board.
Brian Hartline: Offensive Coordinator, Ohio State Buckeyes
Brian Hartline would be the boldest, highest-upside swing Florida could take. The current Ohio State offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach is widely regarded as one of the best recruiters and talent developers in the country. A two-time National Recruiter of the Year, Hartline is responsible for turning Ohio State into WRU, developing stars such as:
- Garrett Wilson
- Chris Olave
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba
- Marvin Harrison Jr.
- Emeka Egbuka
In his first season as offensive coordinator, the results speak loudly. According to PFSN:
- 92.9 offensive impact grade (2nd nationally)
- 3.66 points per drive (2nd)
- 28 passing touchdowns (4th)
- 57.1% 3rd/4th down conversion rate (1st)
- Julian Sayin PFSN grade: 93.8 (4th-best QB nationally)
Hartline’s lack of head-coaching experience is the primary concern, but the upside is enormous. He’s a modern recruiter, elite schemer, and player development machine. For a program looking to catch up quickly in the talent race, Hartline is the definition of a boom-or-bust, but potentially program-changing, candidate.
Which Coach Makes the Most Sense for the Gators?
Florida missing out on Lane Kiffin is a setback, but it may also open the door to a hire better suited to the program’s long-term direction. Sumrall offers proven winning and toughness. Fisch brings rebuilding expertise and ties to Florida. Hartline offers unmatched talent development and future-forward recruiting.
Each represents a different path for the Gators, but all three would recalibrate the trajectory of a program desperate to rise again in the SEC.
