![Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier reacts to a play in the first half during the Orange and Blue game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, April 13, 2024 [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]2024](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1267,h_712/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/356/01hyk5eg5g6q9vk9aqzq.jpg "Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier reacts to a play in the first half during the Orange and Blue game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, April 13, 2024 [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]2024")
In two seasons as the head for the Florida Gators football team, Billy Napier’s record is a subpar 11-14. Furthermore, Napier regressed in year two to 5-7 after going 6-7 and making a bowl game in his first season in Gainesville. This regression and lack of improvement is what has a lot of people concerned.
The Gators also did not look great last season at many points. One of these times was in their season opener against the Utah Utes when there was confusion with jersey numbers and a transparent disconnect amongst the Florida coaching staff and players. And this ultimately falls on the head coach.
What Recently Happened Putting Napier Back in the Spotlight?
All seemed okay in Gainesville for now heading into Napier’s third season, but there was expectations to improve upon last season. Now, former Gators signee Jaden Rashada has put the spotlight even brighter on Napier this off season after filing a lawsuit against his former coach.
Napier and others promised Rashada an NIL deal of $13.85 million to play for the Gators back in 2022 and they never came true on the deal. Fast forward two years and Rashada is now a rival Georgia Bulldog the lawsuit came out this past Tuesday putting largely into question Napier’s job security with the Gators.
What is Billy Napier’s Current Job Status at the University of Florida?
For now, Napier remains the head man in Gainesville. However, if the details of the lawsuit which accuse Napier of lying to Rashada about his NIL deal hold up in court with cause, this could be reason for the Gators’ Athletic Director, Scott Stricklin to cut ties with Napier.
Firing Napier with cause would mean that the Gators do not owe him any money on his buyout.
What is Billy Napier’s Buyout?
According to 247 Sports, Napier’s buyout would be around $25.5 million after the 2024 season. If the Gators parted ways solely based on bad performance, this is a lot of money to owe a coach.
If he is able to be fired with cause, it goes without saying that this would save the Gators a lot of money. And it would also help in terms of being able to have the funds available to hire the best potential fit after Napier. For now though, Napier remains in Gainesville.
How are the Florida Gators doing in Recruiting Under Billy Napier?
Although the 2024 recruiting class slid noticeably on national signing day, the Gators did still end up with the nations 10th best recruiting class according to On3. This included two five star commits.
Despite the 10th overall ranking nationally, this still only puts the Gators as the seventh best recruiting class in the SEC.
The most talked about signee of the class is inarguably five star quarterback DJ Lagway who held true to his commitment on signing day, despite what appeared to be a mass exodus of last second de-commits. Lagway looked great in spring practice and talks are the Gators could have a two-headed monster at quarterback with returning starter Graham Mertz at the reigns.
When will we Know about Billy Napier’s Job Status?
I would imagine that Florida athletic director, Scott Stricklin will come out with at least a statement in the next week or so surrounding Napier and the status of the Florida Gators football program. Until then, it is a waiting game to see what happens next. Stay tuned.