Paul Finebaum: Florida 'Lucky' to Have Jon Sumrall Over Popular SEC Coach

The Florida Gators appeared to be in the sweepstakes to land Lane Kiffin last fall. 

Kiffin was sniffing around for other opportunities in the SEC while leading Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff. The Gators appeared to be one of the better draws for Kiffin. 

During that time, it appeared like there was a lot of smoke surrounding Jon Sumrall and Auburn, as Sumrall was leading the Tulane Green Wave to the CFP.

Then the LSU job opened up, with Brian Kelly fired after a loss to Texas A&M. Kiffin left the Tigers, and Sumrall agreed to become the head coach of Florida.

Some Gators fans might have wanted Kiffin, but Paul Finebaum thinks Florida lucked out.

“You have no idea how lucky you are,” Finebaum said during an appearance on SEC Nation. “You have Jon Sumrall and not Lane Kiffin.”

The Gators can't be too upset by the results in September. Florida is 4-0 after knocking around Ole Miss 52-28 on Saturday. The Rebels suffered a letdown after beating Kiffin and LSU 32-24 the week before.

Kiffin didn't do too badly on Saturday, beating Texas A&M 35-6 as the Tigers improved to 3-1. 

The jury is still out as to who will be the better coach, but Sumrall has brought excitement to the program not seen since Urban Meyer left. 

Florida is now the No. 8 team in the country. The Gators appear to have made progress in every game they've played in so far. There is a good chance the team can make the CFP if they continue to build on the early season.

It's possible Florida and LSU could play a meaningful game this winter. 

Which coach would you rather have?

Florida is starting to get scary

Sumrall inherited a lot of players that struggled under Billy Napier. So far, he's gotten the most out of his players. 

Running back Jadan Baugh is in the Heisman Trophy conversation. He has 600 yards and 11 touchdowns through four games. He'll be the key to Florida making a chase for the CFP and SEC championship.

But Sumrall brought in crucial outside help for this team. Quarterback Aaron Philo has gotten better each week. For Florida to make a run this year, he needed to be a threat to throw the ball downfield.

Philo has done what was asked of him early in the season. The Gators offense is scary and could get even better in October.