By Jay Berry
Another lackluster performance has Billy Napier headed to the unemployment line.
Billy Napier might be fired before the weekend is over.
After another disappointing loss at home on Saturday, Napier isn’t just on the hot seat; that seat has been burned to the ground.
On Saturday, fans showed their displeasure by booing and then starting to leave in the third quarter.
In Napier’s post-game press conference, when asked about the booing, he said:
“Ultimately, you play a certain way in this arena, you’re going to be criticized. This is one of those places where there is history, tradition, and expectations.”
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He has a $28.3 million buyout, but for a program with high expectations and a team headed nowhere, the school might just pay that to send him packing and start over.
It’s crazy to think they gave him a seven-year, $51.8 million contract, signed in 2021. Florida has only itself to blame for being in this position—overpaying for a mediocre coach will always lead to this. This is nothing new for the Florida program.
The 2024 season marks Napier’s third year in Gainesville since Dan Mullen’s departure, and the school is now looking at its fifth coaching search in the last 14 years, following Urban Meyer’s exit after the 2010 season.
In Napier’s first two seasons as head coach, the Gators endured losing records. This season, they’ve started 1-2, with a win against powerhouse Samford. However, they suffered blowout losses to Miami and Texas A&M, both embarrassing defeats against the only two quality teams they’ve faced.
Looking at the Gators’ remaining schedule, a winning season seems unlikely.
Lane Kiffin’s name has surfaced as a potential target for Florida.
Whoever the next head coach is, the University of Florida cannot afford to make another mistake with this hire.
It’s time to move on from the Napier debacle. The Florida program needs to generate hope and excitement beyond this season.
