Summary
The Florida Gators were initially interested in hiring Lane Kiffin as their head football coach, but he chose not to consider them, focusing on Ole Miss or LSU. Florida's athletic director, Scott Stricklin, then interviewed other candidates, including Jon Sumrall and Clark Lea. Ultimately, Florida hired Jon Sumrall for a six-year contract.
Key Facts
- Florida wanted Lane Kiffin as their head coach, but he considered other options instead.
- Scott Stricklin, Florida's athletic director, learned Kiffin was not interested around Thanksgiving.
- Stricklin then considered Jon Sumrall and Clark Lea as possible coaching hires.
- Stricklin, Duke Werner, and Danny Wuerffel interviewed Sumrall and Lea in person.
- Vanderbilt extended Clark Lea's contract, making it unlikely for him to go to Florida.
- Florida hired Jon Sumrall with a six-year, $44.7 million contract.
- Sumrall previously coached at Troy and Tulane with a record of 43-11.
