Jon Sumrall has been officially named the new head football coach at the University of Florida, signing a six-year deal valued at $44.7 million. The agreement, which includes a substantial staff budget and performance incentives, provides resources to support the program’s competitiveness in college football.
The contract outlines a pay of $7.45 million annually over a six-year contract with the program, and is set to last between an undisclosed effective date and Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2031.
The paperwork also included an assistant and support staff reserve with a minimum of $16.3 million per year. This money will be used to improve and implement on-field assistants, strength and conditioning staff, analysts, recruiting personnel, media employees and more.
As for performance incentives, the contract highlights possible annual, non-cumulative bonuses tied to both postseason success and coaching recognition.
Sumrall can earn up to $6.5 million for achievements such as an SEC Championship appearance ($250,000), an SEC title win ($1.5 million), College Football Playoff first-round appearances ($1.25 million), quarterfinals ($2 million), a National Championship game appearance ($3 million) and a National Championship victory ($5 million).
In addition, Sumrall is eligible for awards-based bonuses, including $50,000 for SEC Coach of the Year and $100,000 for National Coach of the Year, for a combined maximum of $150,000.
Academic performance is also incentivized. If the team achieves a single-year Academic Progress Rate (APR) of 940 or higher, he receives $50,000; 950 or higher earns $75,000; and 960 or higher earns $100,000.
These incentives are designed to reward success both on and off the field, with all applicable bonuses paid promptly, typically within 30 days of achieving the milestone.
Even the best-laid coaching plans come with “what if” scenarios. Sumrall’s contract spells out exactly how departures would work. If Florida fires him without cause, he would receive 70% of his remaining contract value, paid in equal monthly installments. That amount is reduced if he takes another NFL or Division I coaching or front-office job, though he isn’t required to accept a new position.
If Sumrall chooses to leave Florida for another coaching opportunity, he would owe the university declining “liquidated damages”: $10 million through 2026, $8 million in 2027, $3 million in 2028, $2 million in 2029 and 2030 and nothing after that.
The contract also emphasizes program support. Florida pledges to provide “nationally competitive resources” for player retention, recruiting and Name, Image and Likeness opportunities. Exact funding amounts aren’t specified, but the university agrees to make good-faith efforts to support the program and collaborate with Sumrall if limits arise.
To keep the program on track, the athletics director Scott Stricklin will meet with Sumrall at least twice a year to review available resources and ensure the team remains competitive nationally.
Sumrall signed the contract Sunday evening, with athletic director Scott Stricklin signing the following morning.
Contact Isis Snow at isnow@alligator.org. Follow her on X @isis_snoww.
Isis is a junior sports journalism student and is the volleyball beat reporter for fall 2025. This is her third semester with The Alligator. She enjoys reading, playing basketball and weight lifting in her free time.
