Florida’s football program is poised for a financial overhaul as new head coach Jon Sumrall finalizes a staffing plan that will see his assistants commanded by a combined $11.2 million in 2026.
Record‑Breaking Pay Packages
Offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner has secured a three‑year, $6.6 million agreement, guaranteeing him $2.1 million annually and making him the first coordinator in school history to breach the $2 million threshold.
Defensive coordinator Brad White, meanwhile, signed a three‑year, $5.85 million deal that starts at $1.85 million and climbs each year, positioning him among the highest‑paid assistants in the conference.
Four other assistants are slated to earn at least $1 million per year, while offensive line coach Phil Trautwine will move from $750,000 to $1 million, and defensive line coach Gerald Chapman will reach the million‑dollar mark in 2027.
A Strategic Investment in the Program
Sumrall’s own contract spans six years with an average annual value of $7.45 million, reflecting a long‑term commitment to stability and success.
The investment comes after a turbulent period under former coach Billy Napier, whose 12‑man staff was paid $7.5 million in 2025 but oversaw three losing seasons in four years.
Athletic director Dave Caldwell emphasized that the new compensation structure is designed to attract top talent and restore the program’s competitive edge, a vision that aligns with the university’s broader ambitions.