The Unique (But Good) Challenge Facing Gators Head Coach Jon Sumrall

Jon Sumrall differs from most Florida Gators head coaches in a key way, and that brings a challenge he is determined to accept

Sumrall brings something different to the table than most Gators head coaches, but that might be a good thing | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

The Florida Gators typically go for a certain type of head coach. Steve Spurrier brought a high-power vertical offense. Dan Mullen puts points on the board. Jim McElwain and Billy Napier were all about offense (on paper).

Putting up big figures is a big part of the Gators way of doing things. This time around, they still chose to do something different. New head coach Jon Sumrall is a defense-oriented coach. He played linebacker at Kentucky, and then coached defense all the way to the top position on a football staff.

He's not the first defensive coach to take the helm. Will Muschamp is the most recent example. It went really well until it didn't, to put it lightly. It could, understandably, create some hesitancy for those who have been following this team for a long time.

Defensive head coach tend to raise questions quicker in general. So, there's that. However, perhaps changing things up can be a blessing in disguise. Everyone loves the idea of the head coach that brings an electric offense, but having a defensive coach could be a good thing.

This contrast wasn't lost on Sumrall. Not for a moment. He made sure to acknowledge the identity of a Florida offense as soon as he could during his introduction.

"When I think of Florida football, I think about mixed tempos, using it to your advantage and dictating the game of the opponent," he said. "I think about stretching the field and threatening every blade of grass."

He spoke of his determination to expand upon the number of skill players the team already possesses. While the offense operated one way at Tulane, it'll operate another way at Florida.

"I think we can score a lot of point, and that's what I want to do," he emphasized.

At the very least, he made it clear that he knows what the mission is verbally. In practice, it'll have to wait, but he knows it has to show then too. If Florida can't run up the score, he'll be in trouble quickly. After four years of offensive issues under the previous head coach, there has to be progress. That expectation is going to have to be met, even if he has to find help in doing it.

The need to figure out a plan for offense was hammered home during discussions with legendary head coach Urban Meyer. The fact that Sumrall is a defensive guy doesn't concern him, but he knows it's a unique situation nonetheless.

After the chatter, Meyer has confidence that Sumrall will take the task as seriously as he needs to. There are other successful defensive coaches out there who have figured it out. Perhaps he can, too.

"You know, you got Dan Lanning. You got Kirby Smart. You got Bob Stoops. You got Bob Stoops, who left here. So, there's been a nice tradition throughout the country," he said. "I don't know if we've had one here, but I know one thing: We talked about already, and I know he's got a good plan. You need offense in this stadium, and he understands that."

There is a challenge that comes with bucking the trend at Florida. Sumrall speaks of someone ready to take it on. It sounds that way in front of an audience and during one-on-one conversations.

Major tests are ahead. He has to find the right offensive coordiantor. That's easier said than done. We might not even know until the test after that, which is the real life action on the field in the fall. By then, players will have learned a new system and gotten work into get synced up.

The challenge has been accepted. The verdict awaits.