Kentucky football's pantone nightmare: Jon Sumrall eyed as top candidate for rival ACC school

Kentucky fans have every reason to be anxious about Jon Sumrall’s rising profile as a head coach. Big Blue Nation really wants Sumrall as the next head coach at Kentucky and to see him take over.

But there's bad news on that front: The former Wildcats assistant and current head coach at Tulane is being seriously considered as a potential replacement for Mack Brown at North Carolina. Seeing him put on that shade of Pantone blue would be a gut punch to an already disgruntled fanbase.

The Tar Heels, a historically competitive ACC program, might present an attractive opportunity for Sumrall, whose ability to turn struggling teams into contenders has made him one of the hottest names in college football coaching.

Sumrall has already demonstrated his prowess by transforming the Troy program from mediocrity to back-to-back 10+ win seasons before taking over at Tulane. This year, he’s led the Green Wave to a 9-2 record and a Top 20 ranking, showcasing his ability to develop winning cultures in challenging environments. North Carolina, looking to rebound after inconsistent seasons under Brown, sees Sumrall as a natural fit to revitalize its football program.​

From a Kentucky perspective, this stings. Sumrall is not just any coach—he’s one of Big Blue Nation’s own, a former player and assistant coach who would be a dream candidate if the Wildcats were in the market for a new head coach. However, Mark Stoops’ substantial buyout, reported at $44 million, effectively keeps Kentucky out of the running for any coaching moves unless Stoops steps aside, which he said would not happen.

The timing couldn’t be worse for Wildcats fans, who are watching their football program struggle while Sumrall’s star rises elsewhere.​

North Carolina’s appeal isn’t just its football history; the ACC could also offer Sumrall a smoother rebuilding path compared to the grueling SEC. The conference lacks the depth of heavyweights Kentucky faces weekly, making it easier for a skilled coach to make an immediate impact.

Additionally, the Tar Heels’ facilities and recruiting base align with Sumrall’s strengths, further tempting him to consider the job​ immediately.

For Kentucky fans, losing Sumrall to North Carolina—or any program—would be a tough pill to swallow. His trajectory only emphasizes what could have been, deepening their frustration with their current situation.

While Big Blue Nation watches from the sidelines, Sumrall’s career continues to flourish, making his potential departure from Kentucky’s orbit a bitter reminder of missed opportunities.