Tulane football’s Jon Sumrall aired out his true feelings about getting linked to North Carolina.
Tulane football appears to be preparing for the possibility of head coach Jon Sumrall leaving. His impressive performance in 2024 has led to speculation linking him to key openings in major power conferences, especially at North Carolina.
Sumrall has finally addressed the rapidly spread rumors about his future with the Green Wave. According to ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel, university officials are now aware of his intentions.
“Sources: Tulane coach Jon Sumrall has informed Tulane officials that he is not pursuing any of the available jobs this hiring cycle. Sumrall’s name had been a prominent candidate for several open positions in the Power 4 conferences,” Thamel reported on X.
North Carolina remains the most sought-after opening in this hiring season. Meanwhile, Purdue filled its coaching vacancy by hiring Barry Odom from UNLV on Sunday morning.
Tulane’s Jon Sumrall gives fiery answer amid North Carolina chatter
There’s more to the story with Sumrall. He spoke out about the speculation linking him to the University of North Carolina.
“Are you asking me this because I’m not wearing a Tulane logo?” Sumrall responded during his Sunday media session, which he held after his team was selected for the Gasparilla Bowl. He further remarked that he doesn’t wear Tulane gear to church.
However, he quickly followed up with two pointed remarks about the rumors surrounding the Tar Heels.
“Am I still here? Seriously, do you want me to leave?” Sumrall said. “I get asked about this every single day right now.”
Sumrall is aware that Green Wave fans are frustrated by two significant losses, including a defeat in the American Athletic Conference title game against Army, which cost Tulane a potential spot in the College Football Playoff.
“But I’m here, and I came to work today,” he emphasized. “I’m not going to comment on what-ifs. My focus is on figuring out how we can win the next game. People call and reach out to my agent. I don’t speak to him very often; very little reaches me. Almost nothing affects me. I just keep saying, ‘I’m not talking about it.’”
Sumrall stated that he loves New Orleans and doesn’t see himself leaving for any position. He even shared a well-known clip from The Wolf of Wall Street on Twitter in response to Thamel’s report.
Following Sumrall’s comments, the Tar Heels will probably have to look for other options. However, UNC has already made headlines by interviewing six-time Super Bowl champion head coach Bill Belichick on December 5.
On the other hand, Tulane will face Florida in a bowl game on December 20 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay.
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