From the Couch Sports

Billy Napier coaches his ass off when his job is on the line. He’s done it again and again, and with his win against the 9th ranked Longhorns on Saturday October 4th, by golly he did it again. Despite his mediocrity, he has been given the longest leash of any Florida Gator head coach in recent memory.

Expectations for the 2025 season were sky high, last season finished strong and with a team loaded with talent that could rival the Urban Meyer era, this team had championship potential. Then came the USF game. An 18-16 disaster loss in The Swamp laden with penalties, turnovers, and clock mismanagement. Rewind to 2022, Florida was locked in a tight one at home against the pesky USF Bulls. His offense, lead by Anthony Richardson, was out-gained and out possessed by a Bulls team hungry for the upset. USF kicker Spencer Schrader missed a 49 yard field goal that would’ve tied the game with 23 seconds left. The Gators survived, but this game would start a trend of Billy Napier coached teams playing down to lesser competition. In 2025, his team wouldn’t be so lucky. His offense had two opportunities with the game in hand to ice the game and send the Bulls back to Tampa with another missed opportunity to shock the Gators but failed to convert crucial 3rd downs. The Bulls had the ball at their own 11 yard line down by one with another chance at their first win against the Gators. The Gators forced an incompletion on 1st down, the next play the Gators were called for a pass interference, ball now at the Bulls 24. Next play, no gain but another personal foul penalty would move the ball forward after defensive lineman Brendan Bett spit on a Bulls offensive lineman. Ball now at the USF 39. Bulls screen pass to Alvon Isaac, he broke tackles and scampered his way to the UF 32. Another two first downs put the Bulls in the perfect spot to kick a game winning field goal. This time the kick split the uprights as “Fire Billy!” chants radiated through Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

The following two weeks Florida would travel to LSU and Miami. Both teams ranked in the Top 10. Florida’s defense kept both games close, Florida’s offense scored 17 points in two games. DJ Lagway threw 5 interceptions against LSU, one was a costly pick six. In the Miami game he failed to throw for 100 yards as the offense went 0/13 on third down. Both games, Florida had slivers of momentum and chances to take the lead but either couldn’t live up to the pressure or couldn’t execute their incredibly basic and predictable offense.

The Gators fell to 1-3, their only win against FCS Long Island. Their offense ranked among the lowest in the Power 4 and in some statistics even the whole FBS. For as good as their defense has been, they had been given no support from the other two sides of the ball.

When Billy Napier was hired in 2022 he took over a program in desperate need of a change in culture, one that would rival the championship culture they had in the 1990s and 2000s.

Florida had an eventful 2010s. Urban Meyer left abruptly after the 2010 season and Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp was hired to replace a man who won two national titles and lost just 15 games in 6 seasons. Muschamp would have the full support of the athletic department, who were sure to give him the patience to steer the program back in the direction of competing for national titles.

2011 was rocky but ended in a bowl win. In 2012, the Gators were a goal line fumble away from a trip to the SEC title game. An 11-1 regular season was good enough to land them a trip to the Sugar Bowl where they lost to Louisville but after two 7-6 seasons an 11 win 2012 was all Florida fans needed to garner championship expectations. Muschamp teams played great defense and ran the ball well but struggled with a vertical passing game. In 2013, Florida started 4-1, but lost seven games in a row to finish 4-8, their first losing season since 1979. In 2014, Florida beat Tennessee and Georgia, but failed to compete for an SEC East division title and failed to beat Florida State. The program was headed in a new direction, Muschamp was fired before the 2014 Gator Bowl. He ended his tenure with a 28-21 record (17-15) in the SEC. His highest finish in the AP Poll ranking was #9. For the sake of this article I’m going to include LSU as one of Florida’s rivals, since as of recently this was a guaranteed annual game and has been played every year since 1971. With that being said, Will Muschamp’s record over these four rivals was 7-9.

From 2015-2017 the Gators would rely on Jim McElwain. Florida would attempt to get the same results from a guy that proved he could have success at a smaller program, much like Urban Meyer did at Utah. He coached Colorado State for 3 seasons and lead them to a 10 win season is his final year with the Rams. He had previously been the OC at Alabama from 2008-2011, coaching the Tide offense to a national title in 2009, his offenses were efficient and balanced. In 2015 he started former 4 star QB Will Grier in his second game as the coach and never looked back. The Gators stormed out of the gate with an exciting offense but it all came crashing down when Grier tested positive for PED’s and was suspended for the rest of the season. Surprisingly, they were still able to win the SEC East, despite a large dip in their offensive numbers. They went on to lose to his former Alabama team in the SEC title and again in the Citrus Bowl but his 10 wins were the most wins by a first year coach in University of Florida history. In 2016, Florida was again SEC East Champs behind a two quarterback system. They again lost to Alabama in the SEC title, this time in an absolute blowout, but they managed to win the Outback Bowl and finished 9-4. 2017 would be his final year in Gainesville. They started 3-1 but after losses to LSU and Texas A&M they lost 42-7 to Georgia and the program would fire him after that. In what was expected to be an exciting change with a more exciting offense, his teams did not deliver. They were among the worst in the FBS in points per game in each of his seasons, his quarterback position was never quite solidified after the Will Grier debacle. Despite that, his teams just seemed to win games. He finished his Florida career with a 22-12 record (16-8) in the SEC and his best finish in the AP Poll was #14. Against the big four UF rivals he went 5-6, but failed to beat Florida State in just two tries.

A familiar face entered Gainesville to be the new head coach going into 2018: Dan Mullen. He worked extensively with Urban Meyer at Bowling Green and Utah as the QB coach and joined the Meyer staff as offensive coordinator at Florida in 2005. Florida’s offenses were centered around a dynamic quarterback (Tim Tebow) and explosive playmakers. This lead to two SEC titles and two national championships. From Florida, Mullen had a successful run at Mississippi State, coaching the Bulldogs to their first 10 win season since 1999 in 2014. At the time, it seemed like a slam dunk hire for Florida and the jolt the offense desperately needed. Florida would lose a shocker to Kentucky in his second game as head coach but finished the regular season with 9 wins, a bowl win in the Peach Bowl matched the 10 win total set by McElwain in his first year. 2019 started off with a thrilling win against Miami, but in the third game at Kentucky starting quarterback Felipe Franks suffered a broken ankle, the Gators were down by two scores. Junior backup Kyle Trask entered the game and sparked a comeback that would solidify his place in Florida Gator folk hero history. Florida would only lose two games in 2019, to LSU and Georiga. They finished the season 11-2 with an Orange Bowl win. The 2020 COVID season was tough on all programs, especially the SEC. They agreed on a 10 game all-SEC schedule. Florida was prepared. With Trask at quarterback, Florida relied on an explosive passing attack that primarily targeted future first rounders Kyle Pitts and Kadarius Toney. Trask would go on to set the UF single season passing yard (4,283) and passing touchdown (43) records. Florida finally beat Georiga under Mullen and in spite of the infamous “shoe throw” loss to LSU they would face Alabama in the SEC title. They lost in a shootout to the Tide and were outmatched by Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl a few weeks later, with most star players opting out. They finished 2020 8-4. 2021 was a season of expectation for Mullen and the Gators. Long time backup Emory Jones was in line to be the starter. Florida fans knew their offenses would be able to move the ball, but Todd Grantham’s defenses were a major question mark. In 2018 and 2019 Florida was ranked in the Top 20 in scoring defense but in 2020 something changed, Florida was giving up a staggering 30 points per game, ranking them 74th in the nation. In 2021 Florida would hope to improve defensively and their offense would have a different style as dual threat quarterback Emory Jones would take over behind center. Florida lost a close one at home early in the season against Alabama. They beat Tennessee the next week, but Mullen would drop another one to Kentucky and three of their next four. Their defense did not improve and the offense showed life, but was turnover prone. It seemed like Mullen had checked out. He refused to answer questions about recruiting, refused to fire defensive coordinator Todd Grantham until after the ninth game, and he failed to beat Georgia or LSU. Mullen was fired after an overtime loss to Missouri, one week before the FSU game. Looking back on the Mullen era, it started strong. Two consecutive 10 win seasons and two New Years 6 bowl wins, two Top 10 finishes in the AP Poll, and an SEC title appearance in year 3, Dan Mullen had the program headed in the right direction. It imploded so quickly, he couldn’t survive a down year in 2021. His final record at Florida was 34-15 (21-14) in the SEC. He finished 7-6 against the big four rivals, but only coached FSU twice due to the COVID season and being fired before the 2021 meeting.

Over the course of 11 seasons from 2011-2021 Florida’s football team went 87-52 (54-37) in the SEC, good enough for an overall win percentage of 63% (58%) in the SEC. They finished with four 10 win seasons, three top 10 finishes, three SEC title appearances and a 5-4 record in bowl games. For reference the previous 11 seasons from 2000-2010 Florida went 108-30 (65-23) in the SEC, a 78% overall win percentage (74%) in the SEC. They boasted two national titles, went 3-1 in SEC title games, and had five Top 10 finishes.

So in comes Billy Napier, a former Saban assistant- check, an offensive guy- check, a guy who coached Louisiana Lafayette to three consecutive 10 win seasons and two Top 20 AP Top 10 finishes- check. As a bonus, he was also regarded as a great recruiter, with roots in the South. Here it comes again, slam dunk hire.

He would inherent some Dan Mullen recruits like four star quarterback Anthony Richardson, receiver Justin Shorter, defensive end Princely Umanmielen, linebacker Ventrell Miller, and defensive back trey Dean III. Transfer portal additions included running back Montrell Johnson and offensive lineman O’Cyrus Torrence from UL and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall from Arizona State.

2022 was viewed as a rebuilding year, a chance for Napier to lay the foundation for the culture he would bring to Florida. He preached accountability, execution and a now infamous philosophy that “scared money don’t make money.” In game one, they beat #7 Utah in The Swamp. Anthony Richardson wowed the college football world with his athleticism and rocket arm but the optimism around the program was put on hold when Florida lost to Kentucky the following week, barely survived an upset scare to USF, which I alreday mentioned, and a loss on the road at Tennessee. Richardson looked athletic, but lacked accuracy and the pocket skills that Florida fans want to see in their quarterback. They would lose to Georgia, but beat Texas A&M and South Carolina to reach bowl eligibility. After a loss at Vanderbilt and Florida State it appeared Florida would limp into the postseason after storming out of the gates in Week 1.

In 2023 the Gators started 5-2, they lost on the road at Utah and Kentucky but beat #11 Tennessee in The Swamp, the second win against a ranked opponent in the Billy Napier era. Their offense was lead by Wisconsin transfer QB Graham Mertz, who was efficient at the quarterback position as the Gators relied on a strong tandem of running backs Montrell Johnson and Trevor Etienne. After a thrilling comeback victory on the road at South Carolina, Florida would lose to Georgia and drop their next four, failing to reach bowl eligibility. Another promising start fizzled out, their offense was decent but their defense couldn’t make stops when it mattered most. Mertz was injured late in the Missouri game and was forced to miss the final game of the season against FSU. Napier again pulled off a great win against a ranked opponent in Tennessee but failed to beat LSU, Georgia, or Florida State. The Florida Gators finished 5-7

Another year in the books, 2024 seemed like a prove it season for Napier and the Gators. It started horribly. Florida had a returning starter at quarterback in Graham Mertz and a the #1 QB recruit DJ Lagway would be his backup. Not only would they have a savvy veteran, the future face of the quarterback position had arrived. Excitement turned into embarrassment quickly as Florida was blown out at home by Miami in Week 1 and Texas A&M in Week 3. Going into their matchup at Neyland Stadium the Gators were 3-2. The Vols were the #8 team in he country and Florida held their own, actually looking like they would pull off the upset. Then, Graham Mertz was tore his ACL on a non-contact play. Lagway came in and played ok but Florida dropped the game in overtime. It was now his time. The following week Lagway lead the Gators to their first win against Kentucky in the Napier era. Here we go, the benchmark for all UF coaches: the Georgia game. All Florida coaches since 1989 had beaten Georgia at least once in their tenure. Yet again, Florida had a top ranked team on the ropes until Lagway got hurt in the 2nd quarter. Florida was down to their third string QB Aiden Warner. They played well as a team but again couldn’t get the job done as they lost 34-20. The following week at Texas they stood no chance and suffered their 5th loss of the season.

The Gators were 4-5, Napier had failed to beat Georgia for the third time, his record as head coach was 15-19 (8-14) in the SEC and just an abysmal 1-9 against the four major Florida rivals. A Florida coach hadn’t started this bad since Raymond Wolf (1946-1948.) This really was the expected time for the Gators to part ways with Napier. Instead, Florida stuck with him, with full support being given by AD Scott Stricklin.

Enter “Super Billy Napier.”

Florida had a two week stretch of playing host to two Top-25 SEC teams, #21 LSU and #9 Ole Miss. Lagway would return from injury and the Gators would play in front of a sold-out Swamp on a beautiful afternoon. The Gator defense was in full bend but don’t break mode, LSU had opportunities and dominated time of possession, they just couldn’t convert long drives into points. The score was 10-10 at the half. LSU again sustained a long drive early in the 3rd quarter, but failed again to get a touchdown, settling for a field goal. Florida tied it, LSU fumbled, Florida punted, LSU punted. This was a Gator defense playing out of their minds, playing inspired and juiced from the crowd support. A beautiful strike from Lagway to Badger lead to a Gator lead, LSU again responded with a long drive but settled for a field goal again. Finally, the Gators put the nail in the coffin with a 55 yard touchdown run by Jadan Baugh and a defensive stop on downs to win the game 27-16. Overall, it was the big play that gave Florida the ability to score touchdowns. The Gator defense sacked LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier six times, made him uncomfortable all night, and even though LSU held the ball for 40 minutes, they only scored one touchdown.

One down, one to go.

A noon kickoff against the #9 Ole Miss Rebels. The Rebs seemed bound for the CFP behind the strong arm of Jaxson Dart and the play-calling of Lane Kiffin, but the Swamp was sold-out and the Gators had “Super Billy Napier” on their sideline.

Florida and Ole Miss were deadlocked after the first quarter thanks to a 4th & 1 red-zone stand by the Gators. The two teams traded blows in the 2nd quarter, with the score tied at 14 by halftime. Florida showed a lot of fight again, their defense again stopping a high powered offense. The trend would continue for the second half. The Gators came up with another red-zone 4th & 1 stop, forced two punts and a field goal. Meanwhile, the Gator offense came up with a few big plays and held a 24-17 lead late in the game. With a chance to tie the game, Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart threw a costly interception but would have another opportunity thanks to a Florida three and out. Ole Miss had the football around midfield and Dart was nearly intercepted again but replay overturned the call. On 3rd & 10 Dart would overthrow his intended target and the ball landed right in the hands of safety Bryce Thorton, who had picked off Dart on the previous drive.

Billy Napier did it again, he knocked off a highly ranked team in The Swamp in back-to back weeks. Good defense, crowd noise, and just a little bit of luck had brought the Gators from a likely losing season and a potential coaching change to a 6-5 record, bowl eligibilty, and an insane amount of momentum. They would go on to beat a terrible Florida State at Doak Campbell Stadium and win the Gasparilla Bowl to finish 8-5, Napier’s first winning season in Gainesville.

But man, 2025 has been an absolute wash, as I mentioned before the Gators have fallen short of expectation. After the Texas upset, Florida traveled to Kyle Field to play Texas A&M. They played an inspired first half but fizzled out in the second half. The Aggies beat the Gators 34-17. With questions marks around Napier’s job and a hot seat getting hotter, Florida hosted Mississippi State after their game against Texas A&M. Homecoming 2025, a date with the Bulldogs. The Gators dressed in their 1960s throwback uniforms for the first time since 2021. The game started slow, but Florida controlled it for most of the second half. Up 23-14 with 2 minutes to go, Mississippi St. shortened the gap with a touchdown. The Gators needed one first down to win. Just one. They went three and out. Gator fans have seen this before and I fully expected the Gators to blow it. The Bulldogs drove down the field with ease, were in a perfect spot to win the game with a game-clinching field goal. With just seconds to go all Miss. St. needed to do was run a few plays or two to set up the kick. Bulldog QB Blake Shapen caught the shotgun snap, dropped back threw it right into the hands of Florida defensive lineman Michai Boireau who had stunted towards the line and dropped back into coverage at the last second, fooling Shapen. There may have been a miscommunication on the part of him and his intended target. Even still the Gators won, they somehow pulled it off.

Billy Napier had won his final game as head coach of the Gators. A consolation prize for a coach who had simply not cut it in almost four seasons as head man. The program that needed a new leader and AD Scott Stricklin fired him the next day.

The long leash had finally been cut. Napier is now out. His final record 22-23 (12-16). One winning season despite all the talent, one winning season despite some great recruiting classes and portal additions.

The Gators are searching for a new head ball coach.