Gator Country provides you with part two of our Florida Football Mailbag where we answer all your Gators’ questions.
Here’s my Q&A with members of Gator Country.
BCNGator99: Do you think retaining AA at DC was the correct call? Were there better options after this season that would have been willing to come work for Napier if offered the DC position?
NM: I will say that I don’t think Florida was going to hire anyone of note had the Gators fired Austin Armstrong this offseason. That would have been two defensive coordinators that have left the program in two seasons, and not because of the success on the field. It’s become evident that Napier is going to stick with the versatile 4-2-5 defense. In that instance I think bringing Ron Roberts on board will help Austin Armstrong this season.
Belloit: Is AA our real DC or just in name. Was the title co-defensive coordinator just a way to allow AA to save face?
NM: Austin Armstrong is still the defensive coordinator as far as I know. I wouldn’t think too much into titles given to a hire, as most of the time it just justifies more pay. For example, defensive line coach Sean Spencer was the Co-defensive coordinator in 2023. It’s unclear what Roberts’ role will be and how much influence he will have on calling the defense, but Armstrong is still the defensive coordinator.
Polk Gator: Why has Billy’s plan failed so far? What is Billy’s understanding of urgency, 2 minute warning, hires, crushing the portal. Does he realize there is noise or does his buyout make him comfortable? Besides circling the wagons what must he do to save his job?
NM: Napier’s plan has failed for a number of reasons, but for me it comes down to attention to detail. This was something Napier preached after agreeing to be the Head Coach of the University of Florida, but not something we have seen, especially not on game days. Time and time again we have seen the same mistakes on the field with no real plan to solve. For a guy that preached a detail-oriented system, we sure haven’t seen it result in wins on the field.
Like I answered in part one, Napier is surely feeling the pressure and does not feel safe. Napier must post a winning season in 2024 to save his job, in my opinion.
Stan05: Are there any talks in the works of Napier giving up play calling duties for next year?
NM: We’ve heard the rumors, but that’s all we can confirm they are at this point. Napier did say during the signing day press conference that they are in the evaluation process on the offensive side of the ball.
SupaGator: Will we get another linebacker, safety, and a few more offensive lineman in high school or thru the portal? And when does the portal end when coaches like Saban leave.. do they give them additional time?
NM: Florida is looking at add a safety through the portal at this time. You could also see a tight end and another receiver addition. After the additions of Grayson Howard and the talented freshmen class, I suspect the Gators are done at LB but it’s certainly possible they decide to add one more. I’m also predicting one more offensive line addition, but I do not know of any names at this point.
Alabama players have 30 days to enter the portal following Nick Saban’s departure.
mdsgtr: Are even going to try in the portal or just watch everyone else in conference get better players? Coaches leaving should nake players available. Are we trying or is Billy just coasting to his buyout next year?
NM: Florida has nine additions through the transfer portal and they are not done. Players are available, that does not mean they want to come to Florida. They are trying, I can promise you that.
sappanama: Any meaningful OL improvement? Any voiced reason for 2 OL coaches? Do you see any intent to progress toward urgency? Anywhere? How likely is it for a play caller to learn not to turtle or, stay aggressive ?
NM: I think Florida has done better in the transfer portal this season regarding improving the offensive line. Brandon Crawshaw-Dickson brings a level of experience and skill that Damieon George did not have coming from Alabama. If the Gators really want an improved line, I think they will need to go out and add an interior offensive lineman.
The reasoning for the two offensive line coaching would be what the coaching staff has preached since arriving here, so I’m not going to repeat all of that. I actually think having two offensive line coaches can be really beneficial, but you have to be sufficient in other areas to allow for that to happen, Florida is not.
I would say that Florida firing Corey Raymond and Sean Spencer is a sign of urgency. Napier feels the heat.
Ig4uf_: How short is Stricklin’s leash?
NM: I would say Napier’s job security is tied with Stricklin’s. I would say very short. I don’t think Florida will let Stricklin make another football hire if Napier relatively soon.
Gatorblues: What odds do you put on Napier still being UF’s coach for the 2025 season? What are the reasons for your prediction?
NM: +170. I think if Napier wins 7+ games he is guaranteed the 2025 season. I think if he wins 6 it’s possible he keeps his job, but it becomes cloudier. Given the difficult schedule and a new president at UF, it’s very possible Napier is let go next season.
Photogatr: Do you think Napier and staff get more aggressive in the portal
NM: Florida is being aggressive in the portal. People often times confuse a lack of aggression for not landing notable names in the portal. The Gators have nine transfer portal additions right now and they are not done.
bigemorygator: I would be curious to know what the recruiting pitch is to the recruits. What is the message? I mean if I were them, I would stress the idea that we were just a few plays away from 7-8 wins last season. Come be those difference makers…come make those plays that we missed.
NM: That’s exactly what they are preaching. I’ve talked to a number of recruits that have shared that same message with me. They are also pitching early playing time for both HS and transfer portal players.
Thanks Nick