The Florida Gators football program is in the middle of a big transformation. Jon Sumrall has stepped in as head coach and wasted no time putting his stamp on things.
Sumrall came over from Tulane. He’s already assembling a coaching and personnel staff meant to launch a new era for the Gators.
Let’s take a look at some of the key hires and changes shaking up the Florida Gators football program. There are new faces, and their backgrounds are pretty impressive.
Jon Sumrall Takes the Helm
Jon Sumrall’s arrival as head coach signals a fresh start for the team. He’s all about toughness, accountability, and a relentless competitive streak—qualities he plans to bring front and center.
Sumrall wants to use Florida’s deep resources and tradition to compete at the highest level. His top priority? Find an offensive coordinator who can create an explosive offense. At Florida, that’s just not optional.
Key Coaching and Personnel Hires
Sumrall’s hires are all about building a team that can thrive in the SEC. Here are a few of the most important additions to the Gators’ staff:
- General Manager: Dave Caldwell – Caldwell brings a ton of NFL experience, including time with the Philadelphia Eagles and as GM of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He helped the Jaguars reach the AFC Conference Championship in 2017-18. Caldwell knows roster management and scouting inside out—skills the Gators need.
- Defensive Coordinator: Brad White – Brad White ran Kentucky’s defense, and he’s got a reputation for building tough, disciplined units. Kentucky’s defense ranked among the SEC’s best in 2019 and 2022. White brings the kind of defensive mindset Florida’s been looking for.
- Offensive Coordinator: Buster Faulkner – Faulkner, fresh off his stint as Georgia Tech’s offensive coordinator, has proven he can lead high-powered offenses. Under him, Georgia Tech’s offense jumped to No. 12 nationally in total offense for 2025. He’s also got SEC experience from his time at Georgia, which never hurts.
Support Staff and Retained Coaches
Sumrall’s not just focused on new hires—he’s also strengthening the support staff and keeping some coaches from the previous regime. That mix should help keep things running smoothly.
Support Staff Additions
- Director of Football Operations: Jeremiah Cartwright – Cartwright worked with Sumrall at Tulane and Troy. He understands Sumrall’s philosophy and will handle the day-to-day operations of the football program.
Retained Coaches
- Defensive Line Coach: Gerald Chatman – Chatman stays on for his third season with Florida, continuing to lead the defensive line. He’s shown he can develop talent and keep the defensive front strong.
New Position Coaches
Sumrall’s vision for the Gators means bringing in position coaches who can push player development to the next level. Here are some of the new faces joining the staff:
Offensive Line Coach: Phil Trautwein
Phil Trautwein, a former Gator, returns as offensive line coach. He’s coached a bunch of all-conference linemen at Penn State and Boston College. His ties to the program and coaching chops make him a great fit.
Defensive Backs Coach: Brandon Harris
Brandon Harris comes over from UCF to coach defensive backs. He’s worked at Florida International, Florida State, and Florida Atlantic, so he knows the state and how to develop defensive talent.
Safeties Coach: Chris Collins
Chris Collins, who was Kentucky’s defensive backs coach and co-defensive coordinator, joins as safeties coach. He’s got a solid track record, and his familiarity with Brad White should help the transition for Florida’s defense.
Wide Receivers Coach: Marcus Davis
Marcus Davis, who played at Auburn and has coached at Georgia Southern and Hawaii, is set to take over as wide receivers coach. Davis understands how to develop receivers and knows the Florida recruiting scene well. That’s a big plus for the Gators.
Looking Ahead
Jon Sumrall leads the Florida Gators now, backed by a coaching staff that’s brimming with experience. The new hires bring a mix of NFL and college backgrounds, which honestly feels like a breath of fresh air for the program.
Sumrall wants to build a team that’s tough, accountable, and always fighting. That attitude fits right in with what Gators fans expect—there’s a real sense of tradition to live up to here.
As the Gators get ready for the next few seasons, there’s a buzz of excitement. Strategic hires and seasoned coaches have raised hopes that Florida can climb back to the top of college football.
Want more details on the Gators’ football program or the latest coaching news? Check out 247Sports for updates.
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