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Nov. 7 (UPI) — Billy Napier will remain in place as head football coach at Florida, despite the Gators producing another lackluster campaign during his third season, athletic director Scott Stricklin announced Thursday.
The announcement followed the Gators’ 34-20 setback to the Georgia Bulldogs (7-1), the No. 3 team in the College Football Playoff ranking, on Saturday in Jacksonville, Fla.
“I wanted to let you know that Billy Napier will continue as head football coach of the Florida Gators,” Stricklin wrote in a letter to Gators fans. “As we’ve seen these past several weeks, the young men on this team represent what it means to be a Gator.
“Their resolve, effort and execution are evident in their performance and growth each week — building a foundation that promises greater success next season and beyond.”
Stricklin also called on Gator Nation “to continue standing behind” Napier while the Gators “work together to build a championship program.”
The Gators won their last championship under former coach Urban Meyer in 2009, their second under him over three seasons. Steve Spurrier won the only other title in program history when he led the Gators in 1997.
The Gators (4-4) were 3-2 through their first five games, but lost two of their last three matchups. Their upcoming schedule has games against the No. 5 Texans Longhorns (7-1), No. 15 LSU Tigers (6-2) and No. 16 Ole Miss Rebels (7-2). They will end the regular season against the 1-8 Florida State Seminoles.
The 2024 Gators rank 57th in points per game (29.5) and 72nd in points allowed (24.9). They are 0-3 this season against opponents ranked inside the Top 25.
Napier, who coached at Louisiana from 2018 to 2021, joined the Gators in 2022. He led the Gators to a 6-7 mark in 2022. The Gators went 5-7 last season.
“UF’s commitment to excellence and a championship-caliber program is unwavering,” Stricklin wrote. “In these times of change across college athletics, we are dedicated to a disciplined, stable approach that is focused on long-term, sustained success for Gator athletes, recruits and fans.
“I am confident that Billy will meet the challenges and opportunities ahead. We will work alongside him to support any changes needed to elevate Gator football. As college athletics evolves, UF is committed to embracing innovation and strategy, ensuring the Gators thrive in today’s competitive landscape.”
The Gators will take on Texas at noon EST Saturday in Austin. The Longhorns are 21.5-point favorites.
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