Head Coach: Jon Sumrall
Jon Sumrall brings a proven track record of success as a head coach at the Group of Five level, compiling a 42-11 record over four seasons at Troy and Tulane, including back-to-back Sun Belt championships and consistent conference title game appearances. His teams have demonstrated strong defensive performance and effective roster management. While transitioning to the Southeastern Conference presents challenges, his prior SEC assistant experience at Kentucky and Ole Miss, combined with rapid program turnarounds, indicates high potential for success. Grade: A- (Strong proven results at lower levels with promising upside in Power conference).
Offensive Coordinator: Buster Faulkner
Buster Faulkner possesses extensive experience as an offensive coordinator across multiple programs, contributing to three national championships at Georgia and recent offensive improvements at Georgia Tech. His background in quarterback development and play-calling aligns with the need for a dynamic offense. Grade: A (Proven coordinator with championship pedigree).
Quarterbacks Coach: Joe Craddock
Joe Craddock has served as an offensive coordinator at multiple stops, including successful stints at Troy and Tulane under Sumrall, where he developed efficient passing attacks and contributed to conference titles. His prior SEC experience at Arkansas adds familiarity with high-level competition. Grade: B+ (Solid results in player development and scheme implementation).
Running Backs Coach: Chris Foster
Chris Foster, newly hired by Florida from Duke, enters the SEC with a solid track record of player development and quick impact on run games, primarily at the Group of Five and mid-tier Power conference levels. His 2025 Duke unit improved significantly from a bottom-tier ACC rushing attack in 2024 (~92.5 yards per game, near-last in conference) to mid-tier production: ~132.5 yards per game (10th in ACC, ~94th nationally), with strong individual output (e.g., freshman Nate Sheppard: 962 yards, 2nd in ACC; tandem with Anderson Castle: 1,432 yards and 21 TDs combined). This demonstrates his ability to elevate efficiency and scoring in a pass-heavy scheme, plus prior successes like developing NFL backs Keaton Mitchell (ECU) and Matt Breida (Georgia Southern). Grade: B. (Potential downgrade at the position with potential for success in a pass-oriented scheme.)
Offensive Line Coach: Phil Trautwein
Phil Trautwein, a former Florida player and two-time All-SEC selection, has extensive Power conference experience at Penn State and Boston College, developing multiple NFL draft picks, including first-round selections. His recruiting ties and proven line development make this a strong retention-like hire. Grade: A (Excellent track record in talent development and program familiarity).
Wide Receivers Coach: Marcus Davis
Marcus Davis has coached receivers at Auburn, Georgia Southern, and Hawaii, demonstrating strong recruiting ability in the Southeast and contributing to productive passing offenses. As a former Auburn player, he brings regional connections. Grade: B (Promising recruiter with growing coaching resume).
Tight Ends Coach: Evan McKissack
Evan McKissack followed Sumrall from Troy to Tulane, contributing to effective tight end utilization in balanced offenses. His prior experience includes graduate assistant work at Kentucky. Grade: B- (Potential based on recent contributions, though limited high-level proven results).
Defensive Coordinator: Brad White
Brad White led Kentucky’s defense for seven seasons, consistently ranking among the SEC’s top units in total and scoring defense, while developing numerous NFL draft picks. His NFL background and prior collaboration with Sumrall enhance scheme continuity. Grade: A (Outstanding proven results in the SEC).
Defensive Line Coach: Gerald Chatman
Gerald Chatman, retained from the prior staff, has improved Florida’s defensive front metrics and previously excelled at Tulane and LSU. His familiarity with the program and player development skills provide stability. Grade: B+ (Demonstrated impact at current and prior stops).
Outside Linebackers Coach: Bam Hardmon
Bam Hardmon, a former Florida player, brings extensive linebacker coaching experience from Troy and Tulane, contributing to strong defensive performances under Sumrall. Grade: B (Solid results with program ties).
Inside Linebackers Coach: Greg Gasparato
Greg Gasparato served as Tulane’s defensive coordinator in 2025 and previously contributed to successful defenses at Louisville and other programs. Grade: B (Recent coordinator experience with potential for growth).
Safeties Coach: Chris Collins
Chris Collins coached Kentucky’s secondary effectively, contributing to top SEC defensive rankings. His recruiting and development skills add value. Grade: A- (Proven in Power conference secondary coaching).
Cornerbacks Coach: Brandon Harris
Brandon Harris, a former NFL cornerback, has rising experience at FAU and UCF, with strong recruiting ties in South Florida. Grade: B+ (High potential as a young coach with professional playing background).
Special Teams Coordinator: Johnathan Galante
Johnathan Galante significantly improved Tulane’s special teams in one season, earning a Broyles Award nomination. Prior success at Marshall supports his effectiveness. Grade: A- (Rapid impact and recognition).
Strength & Conditioning: Rusty Whitt
Rusty Whitt has collaborated with Sumrall for multiple seasons, emphasizing physical development aligned with program philosophy. His extensive experience across programs and military background in special operations add unique value. Grade: A- (Consistent contributor to successful teams).
Overall, this staff combines proven Power conference performers with Sumrall’s trusted assistants, emphasizing continuity, development, and recruiting. It addresses prior weaknesses while leveraging familiarity for a cohesive transition. Staff Grade: A-.
Jon Sumrall brings a proven track record of success as a head coach at the Group of Five level, compiling a 42-11 record over four seasons at Troy and Tulane, including back-to-back Sun Belt championships and consistent conference title game appearances. His teams have demonstrated strong defensive performance and effective roster management. While transitioning to the Southeastern Conference presents challenges, his prior SEC assistant experience at Kentucky and Ole Miss, combined with rapid program turnarounds, indicates high potential for success. Grade: A- (Strong proven results at lower levels with promising upside in Power conference).
Offensive Coordinator: Buster Faulkner
Buster Faulkner possesses extensive experience as an offensive coordinator across multiple programs, contributing to three national championships at Georgia and recent offensive improvements at Georgia Tech. His background in quarterback development and play-calling aligns with the need for a dynamic offense. Grade: A (Proven coordinator with championship pedigree).
Quarterbacks Coach: Joe Craddock
Joe Craddock has served as an offensive coordinator at multiple stops, including successful stints at Troy and Tulane under Sumrall, where he developed efficient passing attacks and contributed to conference titles. His prior SEC experience at Arkansas adds familiarity with high-level competition. Grade: B+ (Solid results in player development and scheme implementation).
Running Backs Coach: Chris Foster
Chris Foster, newly hired by Florida from Duke, enters the SEC with a solid track record of player development and quick impact on run games, primarily at the Group of Five and mid-tier Power conference levels. His 2025 Duke unit improved significantly from a bottom-tier ACC rushing attack in 2024 (~92.5 yards per game, near-last in conference) to mid-tier production: ~132.5 yards per game (10th in ACC, ~94th nationally), with strong individual output (e.g., freshman Nate Sheppard: 962 yards, 2nd in ACC; tandem with Anderson Castle: 1,432 yards and 21 TDs combined). This demonstrates his ability to elevate efficiency and scoring in a pass-heavy scheme, plus prior successes like developing NFL backs Keaton Mitchell (ECU) and Matt Breida (Georgia Southern). Grade: B. (Potential downgrade at the position with potential for success in a pass-oriented scheme.)
Offensive Line Coach: Phil Trautwein
Phil Trautwein, a former Florida player and two-time All-SEC selection, has extensive Power conference experience at Penn State and Boston College, developing multiple NFL draft picks, including first-round selections. His recruiting ties and proven line development make this a strong retention-like hire. Grade: A (Excellent track record in talent development and program familiarity).
Wide Receivers Coach: Marcus Davis
Marcus Davis has coached receivers at Auburn, Georgia Southern, and Hawaii, demonstrating strong recruiting ability in the Southeast and contributing to productive passing offenses. As a former Auburn player, he brings regional connections. Grade: B (Promising recruiter with growing coaching resume).
Tight Ends Coach: Evan McKissack
Evan McKissack followed Sumrall from Troy to Tulane, contributing to effective tight end utilization in balanced offenses. His prior experience includes graduate assistant work at Kentucky. Grade: B- (Potential based on recent contributions, though limited high-level proven results).
Defensive Coordinator: Brad White
Brad White led Kentucky’s defense for seven seasons, consistently ranking among the SEC’s top units in total and scoring defense, while developing numerous NFL draft picks. His NFL background and prior collaboration with Sumrall enhance scheme continuity. Grade: A (Outstanding proven results in the SEC).
Defensive Line Coach: Gerald Chatman
Gerald Chatman, retained from the prior staff, has improved Florida’s defensive front metrics and previously excelled at Tulane and LSU. His familiarity with the program and player development skills provide stability. Grade: B+ (Demonstrated impact at current and prior stops).
Outside Linebackers Coach: Bam Hardmon
Bam Hardmon, a former Florida player, brings extensive linebacker coaching experience from Troy and Tulane, contributing to strong defensive performances under Sumrall. Grade: B (Solid results with program ties).
Inside Linebackers Coach: Greg Gasparato
Greg Gasparato served as Tulane’s defensive coordinator in 2025 and previously contributed to successful defenses at Louisville and other programs. Grade: B (Recent coordinator experience with potential for growth).
Safeties Coach: Chris Collins
Chris Collins coached Kentucky’s secondary effectively, contributing to top SEC defensive rankings. His recruiting and development skills add value. Grade: A- (Proven in Power conference secondary coaching).
Cornerbacks Coach: Brandon Harris
Brandon Harris, a former NFL cornerback, has rising experience at FAU and UCF, with strong recruiting ties in South Florida. Grade: B+ (High potential as a young coach with professional playing background).
Special Teams Coordinator: Johnathan Galante
Johnathan Galante significantly improved Tulane’s special teams in one season, earning a Broyles Award nomination. Prior success at Marshall supports his effectiveness. Grade: A- (Rapid impact and recognition).
Strength & Conditioning: Rusty Whitt
Rusty Whitt has collaborated with Sumrall for multiple seasons, emphasizing physical development aligned with program philosophy. His extensive experience across programs and military background in special operations add unique value. Grade: A- (Consistent contributor to successful teams).
Overall, this staff combines proven Power conference performers with Sumrall’s trusted assistants, emphasizing continuity, development, and recruiting. It addresses prior weaknesses while leveraging familiarity for a cohesive transition. Staff Grade: A-.
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