...
By Michael Gallagher
Sports Content Coordinator
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier has seemingly been on the hot seat for the last two-plus seasons.
The 46-year-old coach has a below-.500 record (21-23) through 45 games in Gainesville, and with losing seasons in two of his three full years, Napier is certainly feeling the heat after a 2-4 start in 2025, which includes losses to No. 11 LSU, No. 2 Miami, and No. 5 Texas A&M.
Florida’s only wins this season came in a 55-0 win over Long Island University in the season opener, and a 29-21 victory over struggling Texas two weeks ago when the Longhorns were ranked No. 9 in the country.
Read More on NCAA
At some point, the Gators have to stop excusing Napier’s struggles as “growing pains” and acknowledge he just may not be a fit for the program. With mounting calls from fans for Florida to fire Napier, the school may be close to finally listening, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.
More Football: Deion Sanders, Colorado Bracing for NCAA Punishment After Iowa State Upset
...
More Football: Penn State Loses QB Drew Allar to Devastating Season-Ending Injury
“Florida hosts Mississippi State in The Swamp on Saturday, followed by a bye week before the Georgia game,” Nakos reported. “The bye week looms large as the possible point where Florida moves on Napier, sources have told On3. Questions remain about who would be named interim coach, and Napier currently calls plays for the Gators’ offense.”
Mississippi State is 4-2, and was just four yards away from being 5-1. The Bulldogs took No. 15 Tennessee to overtime and fell 41-34 after getting stopped on its lone possession in the extra period.
It’s possible Florida limps into its bye week 2-5, and athletic director Scott Stricklin could opt to make a coaching change before the Gators' matchup against No. 10 Georgia the following week.
Should Florida fire Napier, it would be on the hook for his $21.3 million buyout. The university would owe him $10.7 million on Nov. 12, and $2.7 million every July 15 from 2026-2029.
If Napier is fired this season, it’s probable the Gators would go with an interim head coach the rest of the year before hiring a permanent replacement in the offseason. Associate head coach/running backs coach Jabbar Juluke and offensive coordinator/tight ends coach Russ Callaway are the two likeliest interim options.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines