The Billy Napier experiment has come to an end at the University of Florida.
Per multiple sources, the university relieved Napier of his duties on Sunday afternoon. A team meeting was scheduled for 2 PM est on Sunday.
Napier finished his tenure with a 22-23 record across 4 seasons. The Gators sit at 3-4 this season, including a home loss to USF who was unranked at the time.
The University will owe Napier the entirety of his $21 million buyout. (H/T Pete Thamel ESPN)
Ultimately, Napier saved his job in 2024 with a four game win streak to close out this season; however, his inability to build on that in 2025 cost him his job.
Although Napier was a capable recruiter, there was an evident lack of development once the highly touted recruits came to campus. One example of this being DJ Lagway, who has thrown nine interceptions in seven games this season after throwing the same amount in 12 appearances in 2024.
Napier’s offensive coaching staff was also woefully underprepared for the SEC. Although not the primary play caller, offensive coordinator Russ Calloway led inconsistent offenses, which is unsurprising considering his lack of experience. Calloway had no previous FBS coordinator experience prior to joining Florida’s staff as a defensive intern in 2022.
Offensive line coach Rob Sale joined UF’s staff following a disastrous tenure as offensive line coach of the New York Giants. Sale was on staff with Napier at Louisiana from 2018-2020, serving as the offensive line coach and offensive coordinator.
Sale wasn’t retained as offensive line coach both at the University of Georgia and with the New York Giants. His lack of success at the higher levels of collegiate football or the NFL should have been a sign he was not suitable to be an offensive line coach at the power conference level. The Gators are currently 74th in the nation with 12 sacks allowed.
Wide receivers coach Billy Gonzalez is expected to take over as interim head coach (H/T Matt Zenitz CBS Sports). Gonzalez has been on staff with Napier as the wide receivers coach since 2023 and was previously on staff at UF from 2005-2009 and 2018-2021.
Florida will be one of the prominent openings in this hiring cycle. Expect AD Scott Stricklin to turn over every stone as he looks to make a hire that can bring the program back to national prominence.
As for Napier, it is unknown what is next in his coaching journey. He has had previous success as the Head Coach of Louisiana Lafayette, and a return to the G5 ranks could be what Napier needs to regain his mojo. If one of the prominent G5’s with proper NIL investments open, such as USF, Boise State or Memphis, that could provide a safe landing spot for Napier.
Cover Photo via Chuck Bethel- New Era Prep
