Billy Napier Faces Possible Firing Before Gators’ Next Game

Gainesville, Florida — Billy Napier may be on the verge of losing his job as head coach of the Florida Gators football team. Reports suggest he could be fired as early as this weekend. This urgency follows a recent meeting between Gators football boosters and athletic director Scott Stricklin, where the donors issued an ultimatum regarding future financial support for the program.

The situation has escalated after Florida’s struggles this season, with the report indicating that “Napier won’t survive another loss.” Currently, Napier’s overall record stands at 21-23, marking the worst record for any Gators head coach in the past 80 years.

Napier’s contract, which was signed in 2021, is a seven-year deal worth $51.8 million, running through the 2029 football season. Should the University of Florida decide to buy out the remaining contract, they would owe him approximately $19.38 million. Additionally, half of this buyout would need to be paid within 30 days of his termination.

Despite some signs of progress at the end of last season, Florida has not been able to maintain that momentum. After finishing with a 4-5 record last year, the Gators began this season with a disappointing 2-4 record, including an upset win over then-No. 9 Texas but losses to unranked South Florida, LSU, and Miami.

The Gators are currently preparing to host Mississippi State on Saturday, which might be their last game under Napier if the situation doesn’t improve. Florida’s performance this year has seen them ranked 107th in scoring offense, averaging 22.3 points per game, and 109th in rushing yards.

Looking ahead, Florida’s remaining schedule poses significant challenges, with three ranked teams ahead, including No. 9 Georgia and No. 5 Ole Miss. If Napier cannot turn things around, Saturday’s game could mark the end of his time with the Gators.