Unwilling to pay the $20 million contract buyout required to let Billy Napier go at the end of the season, Florida plans to bring him back for another go with five-star quarterback DJ Lagway at the controls.
Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin said in a statement Thursday the Gators are committed to Napier returning. The timing is more than coincidence perhaps considering Napier, 15-18 in two-plus seasons in Gainesville, could be in for a momentous paddling in the final month of the season starting Saturday in Austin.
“UF’s commitment to excellence and a championship-caliber program is unwavering,” Stricklin said in his statement. “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.
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“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.”
Complicated is an accurate portrayal of matters for Stricklin. The university is operating without a president and the football team is set for three games against top-16 teams in the next three weeks.
Florida took Tennessee to overtime and gave Georgia more of a fight than expected – only to lose 34-20 – last week.
But now the road ahead might be beyond dicey with an untested walk-on quarterback, Yale transfer and redshirt freshman Aidan Warner, in line to start in Austin if Lagway’s hamstring injury keeps him out of action.
The Gators at 4-4 and the four games remaining are against No. 5 Texas, No. 14 LSU, No. 16 Ole Miss and Florida State.
Lagway, who shared his approval of the Napier news on Thursday via social media, is the linchpin to Napier sticking around beyond 2025. The 2023 Gatorade High School Player of the Year left last week’s game with an injury and watched the second half on crutches.
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