Florida finally pulled the plug on Billy Napier, and it happened the morning after a mistake-ridden 23-21 win that sounded more like an alarm clock than a résumé builder.
Athletic director Scott Stricklin made it official on Sunday, ending a four-year run that finished 22-23 overall, 12-16 in the SEC, and 5-17 against ranked opponents, including 0-14 away from home. Florida fans booed Napier off the field on Saturday, and Stricklin heard them.
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The tape is brutal. A 3rd and 1 rollout that failed late, a 3rd and 7 QB keeper, a botched end-of-half sequence and a 12 men on the field penalty during a two-point try.
That was the greatest hits album for a tenure defined by penalties, busted organization, and an offense that felt predictable and slow. Napier never surrendered play calling, and the product rarely justified the stubbornness.
The rivalry record is worse. He went 3-12 against Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Miami, and Tennessee, the fewest wins by a Florida coach in those games since the 1930s.
Even with a better roster and shiny facilities, the Gators often looked less prepared in Game 45 than they did in Game 1. Quarterback DJ Lagway missed close to eight months with injuries, then looked rattled on return, while the staff churn continued around him.
Receivers coach Billy Gonzales is expected to serve as interim for the final five, with Georgia up next on Nov. 1 in Jacksonville after an off week. Florida owes Napier roughly $21 million, half due in 30 days, the rest over three annual installments, which means the Gators will be paying three head coaches again.
The search starts with names that will stir the boosters. Lane Kiffin tops the early chatter, with Jeff Brohm, Eli Drinkwitz, and Marcus Freeman looming. Florida remains a sleeping giant, but Saturday proved it needs a new alarm clock.
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