2025 has been a colossal year for Jon Sumrall. Not only has he made program history for Tulane, but he’s also now a D1 football head coach. Unfortunately, right before one of the biggest games in his career, Sumrall was dealt a devastating blow. His father, George Sumrall, sadly passed away on December 19.

Here’s what we know about Jon Sumrall’s late father.

Who is George Sumrall?

Not much is known of Jon Sumrall’s father, except that he worked for the Department of Defense. Per ESPN, George Sumrall used to frequently visit the Pentagon for work. It is unknown if it kept him regularly away from his family, since Jon grew up in Alabama. But the connection between father and son remained just as normal as any father-and-son duo. George has been a huge pillar of support for Jon, as he shot up the ranks in college football as a coach. He at least got to see Jon achieve his biggest milestone ever when he bagged the Florida job.

How was Jon Sumrall’s relationship with his father?

The bond between Jon and George was extremely tight. But since there are very less public records about the latter, there are only a few instances that speak of their relationship. One such time was during Jon’s college recruitment. ESPN wrote that George and the armed forces had opened up alternate options for Jon. At one time, he was expected to play for Air Force. But he eventually chose to stay close to home and picked Kentucky.

The Athletic’s Chris Vannini highlighted another heartwarming moment between the two. During his prep career, Jon Sumrall wanted to move to switch to a better school. But George insisted that he played where he did: at Grissom High. He didn’t see success initially, but it all changed in his senior year. In 1999, Sumrall helped Grissom reach 12-2 and reach the state semifinals. At the end, his heroics paid off, because Jon Sumrall was the only player to commit to an FBS points right now.

George Sumrall’s passing: When and how he died:

George passed away on December 19. Jon Sumrall announced the sad news on X two days before he was to coach Tulane in the playoff game against Ole Miss. He shared a lengthy emotional tribute to his father.

“God gave us more time with my Dad than we thought we would get. He left this Earth last night with my Mom by his side in the house my brother Joe and I grew up in,” Jon shared on X. “Dad was a fighter. I learned so much from him…being a man of faith, grit, hard work, attitude, service, and more. Dad being there for our conference championship game two weeks ago and then the press conference in Gainesville a couple days later are memories I will never forget. He was always there for me and I know he still will be watching!”

According to Sumrall, George had come to support the HC in the American Championship, which earned Tulane its first-ever playoff spot. Later, he’d even appeared at Jon’s formal introduction as Florida’s new head coach. It’s going to be an extremely sad day for Jon, who will miss such a cherished person.

Losing a parent ahead of the most defining days for someone shakes them from the inside. Unfortunately, Jon will enter the matchup with the heartbreaking reminder of his father’s passing. Prayers continue to pour in from far and wide to support the HC.