Jon Sumrall in list of college football assistants next in line for head-coaching jobs

Jon Sumrall was hired onto the Kentucky football staff in 2019 and now, he may be in line for a head-coaching job, according to Yahoo Sports.

Sumrall was initially hired onto Stoops’ staff as an Inside linebackers coach, but has made a very quick impression. This year, he was promoted to co-defensive coordinator as a result.

Now, Yahoo is saying that he could be on his way out of Kentucky and into a Sun Belt head-coaching job:

“Jon Sumrall Kentucky CO-DC – An old hand in the Southern footprint after stops at Tulane, Troy and Ole Miss, Sumrall is a dogged recruiter and respected coach. He’ll be in the conversation for Sun Belt jobs this season and beyond.”

Since Smurall has been on staff, Kentucky’s recruiting has only gotten better. In addition to that, UK has always been known as linebacker U, and Smurall came in and laid his footprint quick.

Smurall’s starting linebackers last year, Jamin Davis and DeAndre Square, were two of the top three tacklers in 2020 combining for 162 total tackles. Davis made a huge jump under Smurall and as a result became a 1st-round NFL Draft pick.

Smurall was also a former linebacker at Kentucky himself from 2002-04, so he’s always bled blue.

If Smurall is able to have a successful stint this year as co-defensive coordinator, we may be seeing him take the jump to head coach next year somewhere else.