Florida’s Athletic Director Scott Stricklin announced their plans to keep head football coach Billy Napier for the 2025 season on Thursday morning.
“Gator Nation, I wanted to let you know that Billy Napier will continue as head football coach of the Florida Gators,” Stricklin wrote in a letter to the fan base. “As we’ve seen these past several weeks, the young men on this team represent what it means to be a Gator. Their resolve, effort, and execution are evident in their performance and growth each week – building a foundation that promises greater success next season and beyond. UF’s commitment to excellence and a championship-caliber program is unwavering. In these times of change across college athletics, we are dedicated to a disciplined, stable approach that is focused on long-term, sustained success for Gator athletes, recruits and fans. I am confident that Billy will meet the challenges and opportunities ahead. We will work alongside him to support any changes needed to elevate Gator football. As college athletics evolve, 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.”
The Gators have shown negligible improvement under Napier, holding a 15-18 record in three seasons at Florida and a 4-4 record in year three.
In 2022, the Gators posted a 6-7 record in Napier’s first season, which included just the second loss to Vanderbilt since year 1988. Florida was atrocious on defense and showcased an offense that raked 58th in scoring, despite having Anthony Richardson at quarterback, the 4th pick in the NFL Draft.
The 2023 was much of the same, bad defense and average offense en route to a 5-7 record. A lack of communication on special teams haunted Florida in a number of games last season, including against Arkansas, where the Gators couldn’t get lined up properly for a game winning field goal, and would eventually lose.
Florida started the 2024 season on the same note: unprepared. But after a 1-2 start, things started to click for the Gators, specifically defensively, winning three of their next four games with their only loss coming at No.8 Tennessee, which was an extremely winnable game.
The Gators most recently lost to No.2 Georgia 34-20 in Jacksonville, a game that was a lot closer than the score would indicate. Florida also competed without star freshman QB DJ Lagway for a majority of the contest, an injury that adds to a lengthy list for Florida.
There’s little to no doubt that this is the best we’ve seen a Billy Napier led football team look in three years, and it’s come with a laundry list of injuries, including starting quarterback Graham Mertz and freshman five-star DJ Lagway. This season has proved two things; players like playing for Billy Napier and that the depth has increased exponentially in year three.
What it hasn’t proved is Billy Napier’s ability to consistently win football games, whether it’s his fault or not. Florida’s record of 4-4 through in year three will not please Gator Nation, and rightfully so.
Florida has games against No.5 Texas, No.15 LSU, No.16 Ole Miss, and FSU. The Gators must win two of their remaining four games to be eligible for a bowl game.