Tulane football’s Jon Sumrall, a former Kentucky linebacker, owns one of the hottest coaching names in the country in just three short years as a head coach.
His team returned just two offensive starters (both of whom are linemen) and three defensive starters yet were picked to win the American Athletic Conference in the league’s media poll.
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That’s what happens when a coach becomes as reliable as a brand.
Sumrall’s name stayed in the news during the coaching carousel “silly season,” as evidenced by the number of times he was floated as a possible candidate including at North Carolina, Purdue and UCF. Saying the not-so-quiet part out loud, many UK fans and boosters would love to see him return home as the Wildcats’ next head coach.
Sumrall is UK to his core.
He was recruited by Hal Mumme, played for Guy Morriss and Rich Brooks. He led the Cats in tackles as a senior in 2004 then immediately began coaching, earning $15,000 as a graduate assistant on Brooks’ staff.
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A lot of what Sumrall has instilled in winning two Sun Belt titles while at Troy and taking Tulane to the American title game last season was what he learned under Brooks.
“I am who I am today as a football coach a lot because of the University of Kentucky and really a whole lot because of Rich Brooks, (defensive coordinator) Mike Archer,” Sumrall said.
Sumrall loves Kentucky, but his story may not be headed for a reunion with his alma mater.
At this point, every Power Four conference athletics director or committee hired to conduct a coaching search will head to New Orleans to inquire about Sumrall’s interest.
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There is no shortage of major college coaches entering the season on the hot seat. Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde puts the number at eight in the SEC alone. Sumrall’s clearly not just jumping at any opportunity. He’s content to stay at Tulane, where he just signed an extension in December.
“You may be in a situation looking across the fence and see somebody else’s grass, thinking it looks a little greener,” Sumrall said. “And you might go over there and find out the grass is fake. It doesn’t always make you happier.”
Sumrall’s deliberate approach is why he’s been so successful. In three seasons, he’s compiled a 32-9 record including posting 12 and 11 wins, respectively, in his two seasons at Troy. The Green Wave enters this season after a 9-4 campaign and a runner-up finish to Army in the American title game.
He had a lot to replace, starting with former quarterback Darian Mensah. He started as a freshman last season for the Green Wave but transferred to Duke and reportedly received an $8 million deal over two years.
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Sumrall could be one of those coaches who laments the bigger program leeching off his roster. Tulane had 12 of its outgoing 27 transfers leave for Power Four schools. He embraces the change.
“I’m not one of these old-school, archaic guys like, ‘Bah humbug,’ on the portal, (name, image and likeness) NIL and (revenue) share,” he said. “I’m like, pay the players, let them transfer, do whatever. That’s great. Coaches have movement.”
Sumrall eventually will, too. That’s why he had a “transparent conversation” with his team last month about opportunities that can present themselves and the need to “be where your feet are.” If the Green Wave performs up to expectations this season, Sumrall’s feet will be wherever he wants to be this time next year.
Reach sports columnist C.L. Brown at clbrown1@gannett.com, follow him on X at @CLBrownHoops and subscribe to his newsletter at profile.courier-journal.com/newsletters/cl-browns-latest to make sure you never miss one of his columns.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Jon Sumrall, Kentucky football reunion on deck? Time may not favor UK
