Billy Napier’s position as head coach at the University of Florida is under intense scrutiny after a poor start to the 2024 season. The Gators, who face the toughest schedule in the nation, have fallen to 1-2 with five ranked opponents still ahead. Florida has now endured three consecutive losing seasons, a first in the program’s history. Napier, who took over a struggling team in 2021, led the Gators to a 6-7 record in 2022 and a 5-7 finish last season. Frustrated fans are already calling for a change, with many suggesting Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin as a possible replacement.
Dan Mullen, the former Gators coach who was replaced by Napier, reflected on this situation during an appearance on “The Zach Gelb Show.” Now an ESPN analyst, Mullen recalled advising Florida’s athletic director, Scott Stricklin, to hire Kiffin at the time of his own departure. “When I was let go, I said, ‘If you’re going to replace me, you should hire Lane Kiffin from Ole Miss,'” Mullen shared, noting Kiffin’s offensive style would resonate with Florida fans.
Kiffin had already begun rebuilding Ole Miss when the Florida job opened, and in four seasons, he’s turned the Rebels into an SEC contender. With Napier on the hot seat, the question remains whether Kiffin would be interested in a Florida offer, though Mullen believes he might have been tempted a few years ago. Kiffin recently signed an extension with Ole Miss that runs through 2030, and Napier would be owed $26 million if fired this year. However, Napier’s fortunes could quickly change if the Gators improve, with their next test coming against Mississippi State.
