The Florida Gators entered the season with high hopes coming out of fall camp. Quarterback DJ Lagway had a full summer under his belt as the starter, and with head coach Billy Napier on the hot seat, the expectation was for the Gators to come out strong. However, after a disappointing loss to USF in Week 2, they now find themselves at 1-1.
“Needless to say, this was a nightmare scenario for fourth-year coach Napier, who finally earned some goodwill with a strong finish last season but may now face trouble all over again,” The Athletic’s Stewart Mandel wrote.
The Gators are already in trouble, facing one of the toughest schedules in the entire country. The next four weeks are expected to be brutal for Florida, which doesn’t bode well for Napier’s chances of keeping his job. Some even believe Napier’s fate is already sealed, though nothing is official.
“Given what was at stake coming into the season and given what the rest of the schedule looks like, it doesn't feel like hyperbole to say that loss just cost Billy Napier his job,” Fox Sports’ Aaron Torres posted.
Napier’s contract buyout is also a major talking point, as it's close to the $20 million range.
“That loss immediately sparked an angry reaction from the Florida fan base, with many wondering what the cost would be to get rid of Napier. The Florida coach's buyout is 85% of his current remaining contract, which would be $19.38 million after this season,” CBS Sports’ Robby Kalland wrote.
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If Napier is fired, there is already speculation about who could replace him — and one name making headlines is former NFL head coach Jon Gruden.
“Jon Gruden will be IN PLAY to be the next HC at Florida... I believe there will be a conversation,” 1010 XL Radio’s Frank Frangie said. “Jon Gruden desperately wants back in and he desperately wants a college job.”
Gruden returning to coaching for the Florida job would certainly be a headline-grabber. His desire to get back into the sport — and in the toughest conference in college football — would be a bold move. Florida fans are eager for a coach who can win the games that should be won and provide a hopeful outlook for the program each season.