ESPN’s Greg McElroy predicts this rising head coach will become Auburn’s next head coach.
For several weeks, speculation has swirled around Auburn’s search for its next head coach, but the focus has now narrowed to one obvious frontrunner. Tulane’s Jon Sumrall has emerged as the overwhelming favorite to succeed Hugh Freeze, whose firing on Nov. 2 kicked off a nationwide hunt for Auburn’s new leader.
A number of well-connected sources — including ESPN’s Greg McElroy — indicate that the search is close to wrapping up, with Auburn preparing to make a major decision.
Sumrall’s rise in the rumor mill stems from his strong résumé of rebuilding programs and his familiarity with the SEC footprint. Known for his discipline, defensive emphasis, and program-building chops, he checks every box Auburn is looking for. His Green Wave team sits at 9-2 and leads the Group of Six race heading into Week 13, adding pressure for Auburn to move quickly.
At this point, the discussion has shifted from who Auburn will hire to when the deal will be finalized. McElroy labeled Sumrall “the archetype” for the job, highlighting his structure, culture-setting abilities, and consistent overachievement.
Most insiders believe Auburn must strike soon — before other programs jump into the pursuit and inflate the price tag.
Several Insiders Point To Jon Sumrall As Auburn’s Imminent Choice
On ESPN’s Always College Football, Greg McElroy said Auburn’s coaching search appears “very clearly” headed toward Jon Sumrall, pointing to the success he’s had at both Tulane and Troy. McElroy praised Sumrall as a disciplined, organized coach with a well-defined plan for building long-term success. He also highlighted Sumrall’s Alabama roots — including being from Birmingham and having family ties to Auburn — as factors that make the pairing feel like a natural match.
McElroy urged Auburn to move quickly, cautioning that Sumrall’s market value could rise if other jobs open. He mentioned potential coaching changes at Ole Miss and Florida as situations that might complicate Auburn’s pursuit. In his view, athletic director John Cohen should “get this done sooner rather than later.”
Steven Godfrey of The Washington Post backed up that sentiment, taking it a step further by saying outright that “Jon Sumrall’s going to Auburn.” On his Phantom Episode podcast, Godfrey noted that discussions have advanced to the stage where “plans are being made,” though a possible Tulane playoff push could slow the timing of any formal announcement. He even joked that Auburn supporters should be “rooting against Tulane” to avoid any delays tied to Sumrall’s postseason schedule.
With Tulane sitting at 9–2 and still in the playoff picture, Auburn’s window to finalize the hire is tight. Still, all indications suggest Sumrall is on track to take over a program determined to climb back into the national spotlight.
The Auburn Tigers will host the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
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