In the closing weeks of his tenure as Tulane’s football coach, Jon Sumrall left the Green Wave with a lasting parting gift.
Tulane announced Monday that Sumrall and his family have made a $100,000 donation to the Green Wave Talent Fund, a contribution intended to support the program as it transitions to new head coach Will Hall.
“This gift will directly strengthen Tulane’s ability to recruit, retain and develop championship-caliber student-athletes,” the university said in a release.
Sumrall was named Florida’s head coach on Nov. 30, agreeing to a six-year, $44.7 million contract with the Gators. His deal includes an annual salary of $7.45 million and a $16.3 million budget for assistant coaches and support staff. Both Tulane and Florida agreed to allow Sumrall to finish the season with the Green Wave, coaching the team through its College Football Playoff run before departing for Gainesville.
“Tulane University and New Orleans are special to me and my family,” Sumrall said. “Ginny and I are honored to support the Green Wave Talent Fund because we believe in the vision of Tulane Athletics and want to contribute to the continued success of its student-athletes. The future is incredibly bright, and we are excited for Will Hall and his family to be part of it.”
Tulane athletic director David Harris expressed appreciation for the donation, calling it a meaningful investment in the program’s future.
“We are grateful to Jon and Ginny for this incredible gift,” Harris said. “Their leadership and generosity will have a direct and lasting impact on our student-athletes as we continue to grow and elevate Tulane Athletics.”
Tulane opens College Football Playoff action Saturday in Oxford, Mississippi, against No. 6 Ole Miss at 3:30 p.m. The Green Wave will receive $8.1 million for its CFP appearance.
