Why Billy Napier would be $10 million richer by Thanksgiving, if he's fired this week

Could Billy Napier be $10 million richer by Thanksgiving?

That could be the case if the Florida football coach is dismissed this week, as speculation about his future intensifies in Gainesville.

Despite Saturday’s 23-21 win over Mississippi State, multiple reports suggest Napier’s job remains in jeopardy. USA TODAY reported that prominent Florida boosters have told athletic director Scott Stricklin their continued financial support “depends on new direction within the football program,” and that Napier could be fired as early as Sunday. 

If that happens, Florida would owe Napier about $21.2 million, per his contract obtained by The Palm Beach Post. That figure is based on a clause guaranteeing him 85% of his remaining compensation. Roughly half, which is $10.2 million, would be due within 30 days of termination. This mean Napier could receive that first installment before the holiday season. 

Napier’s contract runs through Jan. 31, 2029, and does not include any mitigation clause. Florida cannot reduce the buyout,  even if he lands another job. The remaining 50 percent of the buyout would be paid in four annual installments of approximately $2.65 million each, due every July 15 from 2026 through 2029.

According to On3, internal discussions about Napier’s future have reached a breaking point with one Florida Board of Trustees source quoted as saying, “It’s over.” 

Napier replaced Dan Mullen in November 2021, signing a seven-year, $51.8 million contract with an average annual value of $7.4 million. Florida paid Mullen $12 million after firing him one year into a three-year extension.

If fired, Napier’s payout would be among the largest in college football but still far short of the $49 million buyout Penn State owes James Franklin. 

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