The Florida Gators fired Billy Napier following a win over Mississippi State that was met with boos from fans at The Swamp. The dismissal had been expected for weeks as pressure mounted from boosters and the athletic department.
Napier lost support from both the administration and fan base despite the victory in his final game.
Sources close to the program indicated he wouldn’t survive the weekend regardless of the game’s outcome.
Scott Stricklin, Florida’s athletic director, met with influential boosters who made their position clear. Per USA Today, the boosters told Stricklin that continued financial support depended on new direction within the football program.
The people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect the ongoing process, said embattled Florida coach Billy Napier could be fired as soon as this weekend. One thing is certain: Napier won’t survive another loss.
Napier had compiled a 4-2 record through his first six games this season. The four losses in that span sealed his fate with the program.
The writing was on the wall for weeks leading up to the decision.
Social media commentary reflected the inevitable nature of the move. Hard Rock Bet posted odds on Napier’s next coaching destination that included a pointed jab at the former Gators coach.
Hard Rock Bet’s top 5 Billy Napier destinations:
• North Carolina
• Nebraska
• UCLA
• UAB
• Publix
The sportsbook’s inclusion of the grocery chain as his fifth-most likely destination served as commentary on his coaching prospects.
Florida now begins its search for a new head coach as the program looks to regain competitiveness in the SEC. The Gators haven’t won a conference championship since 2008 and haven’t reached a New Year’s Six bowl since 2020.
