So much for the whole "taking out a full-page ad in the local newspaper" move. Future-former Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall and his wife Ginny have put their money where their mouths are, as on Monday they announced a $100,000 donation to the Green Wave Talent Fund.
The donation will give new Green Wave head coach Will Hall a head start on building upon Sumrall's success.
"Tulane University and New Orleans are special to me and my family," said Sumrall. "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."
"Coach Hall possesses a keen understanding of Tulane University and its football program, along with a passion that greatly benefits the Green Wave. As a leader, he cares deeply about helping others reach their full potential and is dedicated to equipping them to achieve that goal in every way possible. He has our family's full support, and we wish him nothing but success as he leads Tulane Football!"
Sumrall, of course, has accepted the head coaching position at Florida, which will officially begin at the conclusion of Tulane's College Football Playoff run. Sumrall is 20-7 with two berths in the American Championship in his two seasons atop the program, building upon the success of Willie Fritz, who went 23-4 with two berths in the American Championship, one conference title, a Cotton Bowl win and an AP No. 9 finish in his final two seasons with the program.
Tulane is one of three programs to play in four straight conference title games (Boise State and Georgia are the others), and the Sumralls' gift helps Hall build a team that can make it five in a row.
"We are grateful to Jon and Ginny for this incredible gift," said AD David Harris. "Their leadership and generosity will have a direct and lasting impact on our student-athletes as we continue to grow and elevate Tulane Athletics."
Hall was Tulane's offensive coordinator in 2019-20 and returned to New Orleans as passing game coordinator this season. He holds a career 70-50 record as a head coach, including a 25-11 run at West Alabama from 2011-13, a 31-9 mark with two Division II semifinal trips from 2014-16 at West Georgia, and a 14-30 mark over four seasons at Southern Miss.