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Troy football announces Kentucky co-defensive coordinator Jon Sumrall as new coach

Kentucky co-defensive coordinator Jon Sumrall was announced as coach of the Troy football program Thursday night.

Sumrall will be introduced at a Monday news conference at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The news conference will be livestreamed on Facebook and Twitter.

Sumrall will replace Chip Lindsey, who was fired after a 5-6 start to the season. Lindsey went 15-19 in a little under three seasons and didn't make a bowl appearance.

"Jon Sumrall exceeded all the criteria we had when searching for a new leader for our football program," Troy athletics director Brent Jones said in a statement. "He is a proven winner and a dynamic recruiter that will continue to build upon our championship legacy.

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"In Jon, we have a leader who is energetic, intense and brings a level of passion that is unmatched. He fully understands our championship expectations and has a comprehensive plan to take Troy football to the top of the Sun Belt Conference and the Group of Five."

Sumrall was inside linebackers coach from 2019-20 before getting promoted to co-defensive coordinator. He was part of Neal Brown's staff at Troy as linebackers and special teams coach between 2015-17. He was a finalist for the Trojans head coaching job before Lindsey was hired.

Last game: Troy football loses to Georgia State 37-10 in final game of season

Coach Jon Sumrall, right, signs autographs during Kentucky football's Fan Day at the Nutter Field House on campus.
Coach Jon Sumrall, right, signs autographs during Kentucky football's Fan Day at the Nutter Field House on campus.

"Troy University and the Troy community left an indelible mark on our family," Sumrall said in a statement. "... Troy Football has a proud tradition of success, and I look forward to leading this program back to a championship level."

During his previous time at Troy, Sumrall helped the Trojans to two bowl victories and the 2017 Sun Belt championship. He was previously co-defensive coordinator at San Diego State and Tulane while coaching linebackers or defensive line.

A native of Huntsville, he played at Kentucky in colleg.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Jon Sumrall hired as Troy football coach from Kentucky