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GAINESVILLE — The University of Florida has hired Tulane’s Jon Sumrall as the Gators head coach to conclude a six-week search and beat out other SEC suitors for a man the school hopes can return championship success to a program coming off four losing seasons in five years.

Sumrall will replace Billy Napier and become the Gators fifth head coach since 2014, the past four seasons under Napier featuring just 23 wins in 50 games, including Saturday’s 40-21 rout of rival Florida State to end a four-game losing streak.

Sunday’s hiring came after top target Lane Kiffin left Ole Miss for LSU, leading UF athletic director Scott Stricklin to turn to Sumrall, who is expected to ink a six-year deal worth more than $40 million.

Because o

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