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3 hours ago
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In a move that wasn’t unexpected, the Florida Gators have fired head coach Billy Napier. Despite the Gators' victory last night against Mississippi State and their upset victory two weeks ago against the Texas Longhorns, Napier was still terminated after four years down in Gainesville.
There were already reports that the school had an emergency meeting Sunday morning to discuss Napier’s status and came to this conclusion.
It seems as if Napier knew last night that it was the end of the road for him.
"Man, I'm going to tell you something. I'm going to enjoy this one tonight. That's what I'm going to do, okay? I'll wake up tomorrow and we'll worry about what's next.
Despite having one of the toughest schedules in the country, a lot was expected from this team, especially from quarterback DJ Lagway, but injuries have contributed to not only his struggles this season but the team’s struggles as well.
Wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales will be the interim head coach until a replacement is found. This will be the Gators' fourth head coach since Urban Meyer.
UF will owe Napier more than $21 million — or 85% of the salary owed on his seven-year, $51.8 million contract. The university will pay Napier $10.7 million within 30 days, and $2.7 million every July 15 from 2026-2029.
The school is expected to make the official announcement later today.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, the leading candidate to replace Napier is Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin.
Kiffin has lifted the Rebels to a top-five ranking, a 6-1 record, and potentially a spot in the College Football Playoff this year. According to most, however, Kiffin seems to be content at Ole Miss.
But that all could change with one phone call. Other names being mentioned are Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame, Eli Drinkwitz from Missouri, and former Penn State head coach James Franklin.
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