Florida Football will continue to keep head coach Billy Napier at the helm despite hot seat rumors around the college football landscape, Florida AD Scott Stricklin revealed on Thursday.
Strickin issued a statement on Thursday morning that showed his support for Napier as the head coach of the Florida football program. The Gators are currently 4-4 on the year with a 2-3 mark in SEC play.
“Gator Nation, I wanted to let you know that Billy Napier will continue as head football coach of the Florida Gators,” Stricklin began his statement with on Tuesday.
Napier took over the Florida job before the 2022 season, his first year being Josh Heupel’s second year with the Tennessee program. Napier went 6-7 in his first year, 5-7 in his second year, and is currently 4-4 through eight games this season. Overall, Napier has a 15-18 record as the head coach at Florida.
That record isn’t going to get much better this season barring a massive upset, though. The Gators might be at .500 heading into Week 11 but face a gauntlet of Texas, LSU, Ole Miss, and Florida State to close out the season. Florida and Napier will need to beat Florida State and upset one of their SEC opponents to be bowl eligible at six wins.
The rumors have been swirling about Napier’s status on the hot seat as Florida fans grow impatient for a winning season in Gainesville. While many in the Florida fanbase point to the fever-dream idea of bringing in Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin next off season, the reality is that the Florida players don’t appear to have quit on their head coach despite the tough run this season. Florida hung around with Georgia last weekend in Jacksonville with a third-string quarterback and beat Kentucky by 28 points the previous week during homecoming in Gainesville. Yes, Florida has had some bad losses, but the team still appears to be playing hard.
“As we’ve seen in these past several weeks, the young men on this team represent what it means to be a Gator,” Strickin wrote in the statement. “Their resolve, effort, and execution are evident in their performance and growth each week – building a foundation that promises great success next season and beyond.”
More from RTI: Tennessee Football Announces Uniforms For Mississippi State Game
Another detractor from making a move to get rid of Napier is the fact that as hard as Florida’s schedule has been this season, it’s the same in reverse (location) next season. Florida still has to face Miami, USF, Georgia, Florida State, Tennessee, Texas, LSU, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M on their 2025 slate. The schedule shouldn’t be factored into making a decision, but there’s no doubt that would be a tough start to any coaches tenure at a new program.
“I am confident that Billy will meet the challenges and opportunities ahead,” Strickin wrote. “We will work alongside him to support any changes needed to elevate Gator football. As college athletics evolves, UF is committed to embracing innovation and strategy, ensuring the Gators thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Gator Nation has remained strong, showing up game after game to stand with our team. This loyalty creates an incredible environment that inspires our players to compete with heart and determination. Now, I call on all of Gator Nation to continue standing behind Billy and his dedicated team while we work together to build a championship program.”
Billy Napier is 1-2 against Tennessee in his three years in Gainesville. The Vols took the 2022 matchup by a score of 38-33 in Knoxville, followed by a 29-16 win from the Gators in Gainesville in 2023. Tennessee bounced back with a 23-17 overtime win against Florida in Neyland Stadium in October 2024.
NEWS: Florida says football coach Billy Napier will be back next season. pic.twitter.com/5JqBLcvp2b
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) November 7, 2024
