Kentucky fans chant 'We want Sumrall' during blowout Governor's Cup loss vs. Louisville

Kentucky will finish the 2024 season 4-8 and even worse for UK fans — it ends in blowout fashion at the hands of Louisville.

Is it time for a changeat head coach? Those inside Kroger Field seem to think so, sending their Wildcats into the offseason chanting “We want Sumrall.“

The chant is in reference to former Kentucky inside linebackers coach and current Tulane headman Jon Sumrall. Many expect the UK alum to be at the top of Kentucky’s head coaching wish list if they were to move on from longtime coach Mark Stoops.

Sumrall is in the midst of his first season coaching at Tulane, where he has his squad 9-3 after a successful regular season. Before losing to Memphis during the regular season finale, Tulane was No. 17 and was riding an eight-game winning streak.

They’re set to take on Army in the AAC Conference Championship game as well.

That comes after a two-year stint as head coach at Troy, where he was one of the most successful head coaches in the country over that stretch. Totaling a 23-4 record during his tenure, only Michigan, Georgia and Washington had a better record during that span. For his efforts, he was able to win Sun Belt Coach of the Year during his short time there.

During his Kentucky tenure, Sumrall was an integral part of the Wildcats’ coaching staff. He played a key role during Kentucky’s most recent 10-win season in 2021, which saw UK rank as high as No. 22 in the country and finished with the country’s No. 25 defense as well as ranked No. 3 in fourth-down defense, 20th in rushing defense and No. 13 in defensive touchdowns.

As a player, he was a three-year letterwinner as a middle linebacker in Lexington from 2002-2004. He started every game for the Wildcats in 2004, and even led the team in tackles that season with 72.

Whether he’s back in Lexington by September is something that’s up to athletic director Mitch Barnhart.