The Florida Gators fired head coach Billy Napier following an emergency meeting Sunday morning, according to reports. The decision came despite the team’s victory Saturday night against Mississippi State and their upset win over Texas two weeks ago.
Napier had coached the Gators for four seasons in Gainesville.
The writing appeared to be on the wall Saturday night. Napier seemed to know his fate during his postgame comments.
“Man, I’m going to tell you something. I’m going to enjoy this one tonight. That’s what I’m going to do, okay? I’ll wake up tomorrow and we’ll worry about what’s next.”
Wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales will serve as interim head coach until the university finds a permanent replacement.
Florida faced one of the nation’s most difficult schedules this season. Expectations remained high for quarterback DJ Lagway and the team, but injuries contributed to struggles on both individual and team levels.
The firing makes Napier the fourth head coach since Urban Meyer’s departure.
Florida owes Napier more than $21 million in buyout money. That’s 85% of the remaining salary on his seven-year, $51.8 million contract.
The university will pay Napier $10.7 million within 30 days. An additional $2.7 million is due every July 15 from 2026 through 2029.
The school is expected to make an official announcement later today.
Potential Replacements
Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin leads the list of potential candidates, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Kiffin has guided the Rebels to a 6-1 record and top-five ranking this season. The team appears positioned for a College Football Playoff berth.
Most observers believe Kiffin is content at Ole Miss. But one phone call could change everything.
Other names being mentioned include Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman, Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, and former Penn State head coach James Franklin.
