GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida is hiring Tulane’s Jon Sumrall as its next head coach, settling for its second choice after Lane Kiffin reportedly picked LSU over the Gators.

Sumrall is finalizing a six-year contract with the Gators, a person familiar with the search told The Associated Press on Sunday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because neither side had publicly confirmed the hire.

Sumrall will remain with the 22nd-ranked Green Wave for next week’s American Conference title game and through the College Football Playoff if Tulane makes the 12-team field.

The 43-year-old Sumrall played linebacker at Kentucky (2002-04) and returned to his alma mater for a three-year stint before becoming Troy’s head coach in 2022. He won consecutive Sun Belt championships in two

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