Florida head coach Billy Napier showed visible emotion following the Gators’ 23-21 victory over Mississippi State on Saturday. The win did little to quiet mounting speculation about his job security.
Napier’s voice wavered during his postgame press conference when asked directly whether he might have coached his final game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
“I think I’m made for it. I’m built for it,” Napier said. “I chose the coaching profession, and I was called to coach. The good comes with the bad. The bad comes with the good. I do think that the game is about the players, and I’m proud of the players and the way they played. Never gonna make everybody happy in these leadership positions. When you’re in charge, these are the things that come with it. I love the game of football. I love the game.”
Billy Napier answered this question like a man who knows he’s finished.
Just watch this. pic.twitter.com/K1WzWheJ7x
— InAllKindsOfWeather.com (@AllKindsWeather) October 19, 2025
The victory snapped Florida’s three-game losing streak. But it may not be enough to save Napier’s position.
A source close to Florida’s Board of Trustees told On3 that “it’s over,” suggesting the university is preparing to move on from Napier.
If Florida fires Napier, the school would owe approximately $20.4 million in buyout money. Half that amount would be due within 30 days.
Napier shifted focus to his players during the emotional press conference. “I think about our players, man. That’s what I think about.”
Napier’s overall record at Florida stands at 22-23. He’s trying to stay present despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.
“I’m gonna enjoy this one tonight,” Napier said. “I’ll wake up tomorrow and worry about what’s next.”
The Gators enter their bye week with a 3-4 record. They’ll face Georgia in Jacksonville on Nov. 1.
