The Florida Gators are 1-2 after their back-to-back losses against South Florida (16-18) and LSU (10-20). The inconsistency and lack of play from the QB and the offensive side caused two of their most important games. While Billy Napier was asked about the shortcomings, he took a shot, saying that the Gators were “not good enough” and “it is the coaching” that’s responsible for the undisciplined play.
Florida, under Billy’s era, has won only 10 out of 24 SEC games. He was in the hot seat buzz last year, when the program was heading to a three-season loss. However, beating LSU and Ole Miss last November saved his job. With winning hopes, he was brought back for this season; however, it is turning into a failed experiment. While most people are wondering why Florida hasn’t fired Napier yet, CFB analysts reveal two key reasons.
On the latest edition of McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning, Greg McElroy and Cole Cubelic discussed the current status of the Florida Gators and their head coach, Billy Napier. McElroy noted that Florida is currently ranked 13th in the recruitment rankings, which places it behind Miami and ahead of Florida State. When it comes to the SEC, they are only behind LSU, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Alabama, and Georgia. This puts them 6th or 7th in the SEC recruitment rankings.
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Greg McElroy then claimed that there are two reasons why Florida “struggles with cutting him loose right now.” The first is rather obvious. “One, you still owe the same amount of money,” says McElroy. “You don’t save dollars by letting him go in September, October, or November.”
According to CBS Sports, Napier is currently on a seven-year contract until January 2029. His payout for this season is $7.4 million, with $22 million due over the next three seasons. With that being said, Florida can spend only 85% of its current remaining contract on the new coach, which is $19.38 million after this season. While 50% of Napier’s payment will be paid after 30 days, the remainder will be paid in installments.
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Then, there’s the second reason. No one wants to come to an unstable program. A head coach getting fired is the peak of instability. We already saw the exodus of commitments from UCLA after they let go of their head coach. The current roster as well as future classes. “Guess what? When he leaves, now all of a sudden, those 19 guys that have currently committed to you, they’re going to be open for business.”
If Florida wants to prevent the kids from redshirting, the team should hold the coach past the four-game window. If the team plans to fire Billy anyway, it must be done after the seventh game. “So, you are not going to be able to save a year of eligibility, and you might go in the portal, so you might want to have some good tape to rely on when you do go in the portal. So, I think all that’s beneficial.” They strongly believe that this will be Napier’s last season with the Florida Gators; however, it is up to the program.
Another make-or-break moment for Billy Napier
Unlike UCLA or Virginia Tech, Florida remains an attractive job for a variety of reasons. We saw it last year when Lane Kiffin was linked to the gig despite enjoying success at Ole Miss. Of course, the recent history will have other programs in the SEC over the Gators, but Florida remains a traditional power.
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As per McElroy, “Florida is still an attractive job. “Guess what? If it came open on December 1st or November 29th, the day that they play their last game, it’s still probably the most attractive job that’s coming open.” Except if Ohio State, Georgia, or Texas jobs somehow become open.
Just like last year, Billy Napier is facing a critical situation. The SEC schedule has yet to hit the program properly. Of their last nine games, only the MS State matchup is against an unranked opponent. Worryingly, it was his hero of late 2024 who cost him the LSU game. DJ Lagway has yet to show that he’ll be his old self post-injuries. Where can it go for Napier? Most likely, the job market.