Maybe Florida made the right choice not firing Billy Napier. Despite going through the heat for a lackluster 2024 season, he’s back for his fourth season with the Gators. And even if the school wants to fire him, he’s an expensive one with a buyout that would be the second-largest in CFB history. With his contract running through January 31, 2029, it’ll cost UF around $26.5 million to part ways with him.
Before we delve any further into the topic, let’s revisit AD Scott Stricklin’s statement on the HC’s return. “I am confident that Billy will meet the challenges and opportunities ahead,” he stated in November. “We will work alongside him to support any chances 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.” And the work has already begun. And it’s that multi-million dollar saving that’s sparking hope for Florida in 2025.
On March 1, SEC Mike laid out an interesting observation on Florida football in a new episode on That SEC Football Podcast. He began with how Billy Napier was able to lock in his players with his fewest out-transfers in an offseason at 13. “That’s obviously a sign that the players are buying in,” he pointed out. “In this world of NIL transfer portal, we’re not naive. They save money by not firing Billy Napier, and what do you know, the recruiting went through the ceiling. And there was many key players that could be on their way to the NFL right now. They’re back for another season. Certainly behind the scenes, there’s belief in Billy Napier. ” The Gators rank at No. 11 on On3’s 2025 recruiting class with 26 commits and five transfers, a testament to the recruiting effort by Napier and his team.
Syndication: Ocala StarBanner Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier gestures before the game at the Orange and Blue spring football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun Ocala , EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMattxPendleton/GainesvillexSunx USATSI_23014601
It’s not just the players’ recruitment, though. Florida has made big splashes in the coaching department, with the latest hire being David Reese II, a former Florida All-SEC LB. He’ll be serving as a defensive quality control coach. The 27-year-old began his coaching stint at Central Michigan in 2021 as an assistant LBs coach. Then he spent two seasons in Indiana as a DL assistant before moving on to Eastern Michigan and Wayne State as a DL coach. He’ll be joining fellow Gators alum Mike Peterson, who’s now the outside linebackers coach at Florida since 2022.
Aside from this new hire, Billy Napier also brought in more able coaches on defense for an 8-5 season upgrade. Perhaps their biggest splash would be Vinnie Sunseri, a former Alabama safety and NFL assistant. He’ll be taking up the co-DC role as well as serving as the safeties coach. And then there’s former Washington coach Robert Bala, who will also be a co-DC and linebackers coach for the Gators in 2025. But while all these hires offer an optimistic outlook for Florida’s future, there’s one pending dilemma that raises a question mark.
Billy Napier remains the play-caller for Florida
Florida officially promoted assistant coach Russ Callaway as the new OC for the 2025-26 season, per 247Sports. But Billy Napier isn’t handing over the keys and will remain the offensive play-caller. This raised eyebrows given their offensive struggles last season. While they showed flashes of brilliance in the later half of the season, the Gators finished 12th in the SEC and 66th nationally in total offense (386.9 yards per game).
But the hope lies in DJ Lagway. Billy Napier believes that continuity will help develop his star QB, who went 6-1 as a starter in 2024, racking up 1,915 yards and 12 TDs. But as other coaches shift away from play-calling duties to focus on the bigger picture, his insistence on running the offense himself could backfire.
With expectations rising and pressure mounting in year 4, the question remains—Can Billy Napier’s buyout savings finally take Florida to the next level?
The post Gators’ $26.5M Savings Pay Off as Billy Napier Goes on a Spending Spree Without Fixing Major Dilemma appeared first on EssentiallySports.
