Florida boosters have managed to gather enough funds to buy out football coach Billy Napier’s contract, according to USA Today. The Gators’ disappointing 33-20 home loss to Texas A&M on Saturday, which left them at 1-2 for the season, led fans to leave the game early. If Florida decides to fire Napier, the team would owe him approximately $26 million. However, this amount might be reduced due to an ongoing NCAA investigation into Napier’s involvement in recruiting Jaden Rashada.
The Gators’ season began with a 41-17 defeat against rival Miami, followed by a 45-7 victory over FCS opponent Samford. They have now lost seven consecutive games to power-conference teams, conceding an average of 37.9 points per game while scoring 24.9.
Hired before the 2022 season, Napier has a 12-16 record at Florida. Previously, he enjoyed success at Louisiana with a 40-12 record and two Sun Belt Coach of the Year awards. His Louisiana teams were ranked No. 15 and No. 16 in the nation in 2020 and 2021, respectively. At Florida, Napier’s teams have recorded 6-7 and 5-7 seasons, with 3-5 records in the Southeastern Conference each year. In 2022, the Gators were bowl-eligible but lost 30-3 to Oregon State in the Las Vegas Bowl.
