Bruce Feldman lists potential candidates to replace Jon Sumrall at Troy
Earlier this week, Troy lost head coach Jon Sumrall when he took the same position at Tulane to replace Willie Fritz. The Trojans put together back-to-back 11-win seasons under his leadership, and the search is on for his replacement.
The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman listed some potential candidates to fill the job. Some notable Power Five assistants made the list, but retired former UAB coach Bill Clark could also get some looks.
Let’s dive into Feldman’s list of possible replacements for Sumrall.
Bill Clark, former UAB coach
Bill Clark stepped away from coaching after the 2022 season due to back problems. However, Feldman reported he could be looking into a return to the sidelines, and Troy would present an interesting opportunity to do so.
Clark was the head coach at UAB from 2014-21, but the program didn’t play from 2015-16 due to budget issues. In his six seasons at the helm, Clark totaled a 49-26 record, including a 32-12 mark in Conference USA action, before retiring.
Zac Etheridge, secondaries coach, Auburn
Since returning to his alma mater in 2021, Zac Etheridge’s name has come up in connection with a few jobs over the years. He could be gaining steam for the Troy job, though, according to Feldman.
Feldman reported Etheridge had a strong interview and is a “name to keep an eye on” as the process unfolds. He joined Auburn in 2021 as safeties coach and remained on staff under new coach Hugh Freeze last year.
Alex Atkins, offensive coordinator, Florida State
Florida State’s high-powered offense helped the Seminoles clinch an ACC title, and Alex Atkins was the one dialing it up. He got some looks for the Duke job that ultimately went to Manny Diaz, but he could be an intriguing candidate at Troy, as well.
Atkins initially joined FSU as offensive line coach but moved up to offensive coordinator in 2022 after the departure of Kenny Dillingham. He’s seen as a rising star in the profession, and Troy could be an opportunity for his first head coach position.
Jordan Lesley, defensive coordinator, West Virginia
West Virginia put together an impressive turnaround in a make-or-break year for Neal Brown. The Mountaineers defense was a big part of that as Jordan Lesley’s unit ranked fifth in the Big 12 in total defense.
Lesley — who played at Troy from 2000-04 — got his coaching start with the Trojans as a graduate assistant. The two-time Broyles Award nominee could get some “strong consideration” for the job, according to Feldman.
Dell McGee, running backs coach, Georgia
Dell McGee joined Georgia in 2016 as assistant head coach and running backs coach, and he moved up to run game coordinator in 2019. He played a key part in drawing up the run game, which was a big part of the offense that won back-to-back national championships.
McGee was the interim head coach at Georgia Southern in the Eagles’ 2015 bowl game, and he has gotten some Group of 5 interest over the years. The Troy job could be interesting to him, Feldman said, and that’s why he wound up on the list.
Tommie Robinson, special assistant to the head coach, Colorado
Tommie Robinson is a career assistant coach and joined Deion Sanders’ staff at Colorado this past year. He was a finalist for the Troy job last time around before the university hired Sumrall, and he could be interested in it once again.
A former Trojans safety, Robinson recently served as running backs coach at USC, Texas, LSU and Texas A&M. His recruiting chops are impressive, and that could be enticing for Troy.
Other candidates: Missouri assistant head coach/cornerbacks coach Al Pogue; D.C. Defenders head coach Reggie Barlow; Troy interim head coach Greg Gasparato; Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks coach Tee Martin