Florida STICKING with Billy Napier in the Swamp | Gators FB, Scott Stricklin retaining head coach

[@synitarthrax5618]

Keeping Napier for Lagway is like your house burning down but instead of putting out the fire, you water the chandelier so it doesn't burn.

[@bykviking13]

I like the analogy, but completely disagree. He’s got a team that follows him and we have the players to compete. Think of all the next recruits that will want to play with DJ and crew. Recruiting will be solid and ideally attrition will be minimal.

[@synitarthrax5618]

@@bykviking13 I really hope you're correct but so far the recruiting is what ... in the 50's? Of course things could change but I doubt the best of the best want to sign on with a mid-tier program. We will see.

[@RJ-fe9pu]

No one is signing up to play for this loser thats why we are 51st and probably dead last in the sec ​@@bykviking13

[@bykviking13]

@@synitarthrax5618 51 I last heard, but I’m certain a lot of that has to do with the uncertainty of who the head coach would/could be. I think I also just heard about us flipping a 4* qb. Certainty over the program’s direction and now obvious potential will yield talented interest imo.

[@austinbrown974]

I agree with both of yall, I just don't want DJ to ever have a reason to leave. We have lost so many star qbs who went on to be great at another school.

[@derrickmckinney6425]

We ranked #51 in recruiting and horrible record versus our rivals enough said right there!

[@seanmcnary1074]

We are ranked 51st bc no kid is gonna goto a school that’s coach is getting fired.

[@sailorkicks4392]

@@seanmcnary1074they aren’t going to go to a school that has a coach with three losing seasons in a row either

[@pdg61met]

They need to get an OC

[@jrelldun]

This needs to be said louder. A true OC and Napier needs to only be the ceo.

[@Drillpink]

​@@jrelldunYou have 1 billy😂😂😂

[@jrelldun]

@@Drillpinkhis record reflects that too.

[@codyshoemaker1536]

@@jrelldunits part of his conditions to stay look other up

[@AARon-fe1mo]

Scott basically said “he can lose every game this season and I’ll stick with him.” Talk about giving zero incentive to do better.

[@kg30004]

This is a GOOD thing. The team is improving and playing hard for Napier while teams like FSU quit all season. Freshman are the best part of this team. Hitting reset now would be a mistake.

[@joep7197]

Special ed

[@FrenchUncleLou]

@@kg30004 good thing for our rivals yes

[@charlestoddsullivanforpres6628]

All of our rivals are happy with this.

[@theocratickingdom30]

Slingblade has already proven he’s an awful coach. His time at UF is over. Recruiting is dead. This season will be amazing if his class can just get into the 20s.

[@willhopson1277]

@@FrenchUncleLoulol we were tied with Georgia with a 5th string qb with 4 minutes left in the game. Look man the team is improving. Fans like you are not helping

[@pvsurfco]

Man I had given up on Napier. But… these last few games have changed my mind. I’m okay with this now after seeing the young talent step up. Now we need to buy a bunch of players like host mentioned here.

[@D.Nice..]

Yeah 1-11 vs rivals and 19 losses in 2.5 years is going to attract the best players. Losers

[@dcgrace320]

Same, I don't know what on earth they did during that bye week to fix the defense but I gotta give him credit. I'm fine with him not being fired. Really the only thing holding him back is his stubborn pride when it comes to hiring a play caller.

[@adamb6370]

I have to ask, what gives you any incentive to think this will happen? The team is approach 4 losing seasons and Billy has been resistant to do massive changes. The narrative this year was 5 to 6 games, he keeps his job. Well the schedule next year is the same....just flipped. Will the narrative be the same, probably. Are you ok with that?

[@pookiewatson2349]

You do realize that he is the reason UF lost the Tennessee game? We're all going to sit by now and watch the team finish 4-8 or 5-7. And wait for you to tell us how much the team is improving.

[@travellingator4301]

I read the entire statement. There is no reference to 2025 or any mention of how long they keep Napier. It is purposely vague. I don’t think Strickland has done any interviews since it was released.

[@illumediastudios]

FIRE STRICKLAND!

[@tonyrenner7369]

There is no chance for Billy. He has had all the chances he needs. Strickland has no vision.

[@joeg4707]

Keeping Napier isn't the right move. The current recruiting class is a huge concern. The bar is too low at Florida. Stickling is accepting mediocrity. UF is 1-10 against rivals under Napier. Yikes. Ron Zook's teams played hard and won a lot more than Napier--Zook was 23-14--yet he was sent packing. Muschamp was 8-games over .500, McElwain was 10-games over .500 and Mullen was 34-15. All were fired.

[@Drillpink]

And who do you suggest we get huh lol there's no proven coach out on the market right now

[@underground5682]

@@DrillpinkIf the university was serious about winning National championships again, they would throw the bag at anyone. The school doesn’t care about winning in football anymore. Pretty simple stuff lil bro.

[@michaeljohnson9877]

There is no one out there to replace him. Who are you getting that could run this schedule you believe in right now?

[@russellwilliamson551]

@@michaeljohnson9877literally anyone else. Napier has proved multiple times he’s not the guy, and he can’t recruit which was supposed to be his strong suit. Napier is a BUM

[@Drillpink]

​​@@michaeljohnson9877Exactly.Better off riding the ship until the right move comes available.

[@christopherfolkes9897]

Keep Billy. Matter of fact give him a multi year extension...

[@Iceman-xq9pe]

Just a stupid decision. Our program going right down the drain

[@dougconley]

Good! I've always said give Napier 5 seasons.

[@fivehundrediq5212]

I'm sure Georgia Fans agree with this also

[@firstcomesrock8593]

as a uga fan, i hope they keep him for the next 20 yrs

[@underground5682]

So you can win another game because the QB got hurt? Sounds about right.

[@firstcomesrock8593]

lagway wouldn't have won either lmao, because he's had 3 losing seasons in a row and it's hilarious

[@FrenchUncleLou]

DEAD PROGRAM LOL

[@Mr.impact24]

We are picking up!

[@Scooter0923]

KEEP HIM FOREVER 💯💯💯

[@dempseybirminghamfilm]

Maybe we’d have the money if we didn’t have 2 OC’s, 2 DC’s, 2 O Line coaches, 2 special teams coaches, and 2 strength coaches

[@dustyflair]

Billy wants a coach for every player!

[@Drillpink]

I don't know why y'all keep whining about getting an OC when y'all know damn well its not going to matter because billy ain't about to give up calling plays Jesus

[@trouble_makin_tyler]

Dan Thompson was in the crowd in the opening minute b roll

[@Ders506]

Florida is a second tier program

[@jkmarshall3553]

If that, anymore.

[@FlyBoyBing]

Facts College Playoffs Or Bust 🧡💙

[@sjacuk65]

Stricklin has decided to go full on "Thelma & Louise" with SBB. Enjoy the ride over the cliff!

[@KEICRUMBIE]

😅

[@chubbspeterson6161]

I'd love to see in what could be his last year what the team would look like with a competent OC. I think the team believes in Billy thats been obvious this year with the turn around on defense. The offense is just so much better with DJ, would love to see an OC running the offense and just let Billy be the GM of the team.

[@Drillpink]

What's the point of getting an oc when you know Billy ain't giving up calling plays 😐

[@chubbspeterson6161]

@@Drillpink well my hopes would be he would and just be the GM of the team

[@rk41gator]

Thank you Scott Stricklin for your steady hand and head. The Florida football team is playing hard for two reasons: Billy Napier (his staff) and the character of his players. Slow and steady wins the race as a famous Greek says......no fable. Character matters and Billy has it. Not so sure most Florida fans do. But time will tell, if Napier is given the time to attract the players like those he has.

[@adamb6370]

Here is a stat, since 1990 No coach..ZERO....that has posted a losing record over 3 years and underperformed the school standard has succeeded. So what you are saying is the everyone just needs to fall in line and believe that Billy Napier is doing what no one has ever done???? Not Saban, Meyer, Dabo, Bowden, nobody.....But Billy can. If that's true, I have a lottery ticket for you.

[@charlesbartlett2569]

Stricklin had to say something or the recruiting class was going to completely disintegrate. Spend the buyout money on some players! I see the nucleus of a young talented team that needs a few veterans to get it over the hump. Having DJ is going to attract talent.

[@stanleyday7293]

It already has imploded. We are ranked in the 50s, with a couple of pending decommitments.

[@charlesbartlett2569]

@ Napier was a dead man walking before the season began. How did you expect him to recruit? If Napier was fired this season, next season rebuild is a loss regardless. Lagway leaves. Stricklin is going all in to save his job. I’m not saying I love it but I understand the why.

[@stanleyday7293]

​@@charlesbartlett2569Just putting off the inevitable - Recruits will not be interested next year either - Expect a few of the freshmen and sophomores to transfer this year to more competitive teams.

[@charlesbartlett2569]

@ A lot hinges on Lagway’s decision. Lagway is definitely out if Napier is fired.

[@adamb6370]

Spend that buyout money on the players. Later breaking news!!!! the boosters are pulling out this afternoon. That buyout money wasn't a UAA slushfund. It wasnt event collected and now its gone. Its not there to buy players.

[@derrickmckinney6425]

And that also tells me Stricklin thinks Napier is a better HC then Kiffin, Ryan Day...etc that's insane to me!

[@garycoatoam5043]

November 30 will be a key date - he'll be out if he loses that day

[@re-upblakk]

This the right move I think they doing something there

[@claytonyoung1351]

I am glad the university is finally getting behind our coach. Would be nice if fans did too.

[@Foggydidwhat]

If Billy Napier lost his ego and hired an offensive coordinator that had novel concepts and genuinely good ideas instead of the same stagnant playcalling that got Billy Napier fired from multiple schools, maybe yeah. I think Napier is a good head coach, but I do not think he is a good play caller in the modern era of college football and his refusal to pass off playcalling duties contributes to his failures on offense

[@305ZMF]

All i gotta say is they better be willing to drop bags and billy better put his pride to the side and hire a elite OC.

[@deangelop697]

To me it means they weren’t confident in getting Lane or Cignetti this offseason. Doing this now gives them a chance to recover in recruiting and keep your young roster.

[@deangelop697]

Plus if the money backs the team unlike past yrs then who knows what will happen in the portal.

[@jkmarshall3553]

The AD needs to go ASAP!

[@mcgovernoutdoors33]

People keep complaining that we’re 51st in recruiting but fail to realize that all this talk about firing CBN is actually why we’re 51st!! What kid wants to commit to a place that’s about to have a new coach!! Recruits want to know the guy they commit too is going to be there!

[@glennbranton623]

So five losing seasons in a row. Nice.

[@lancesawyer7943]

UF just set themselves back by 5 years.

[@FrenchUncleLou]

I think this sets it back 10-15 tbh

[@courtneypostlewaite9418]

Go Gators 🐊!!!!!....

[@kswiss6978]

Scott Stricklin has destroyed this football program

[@jjgator205]

He has, and I think that's why he's supporting Napier. When Napier goes, Strickland does too( or he should). Firing just Napier wouldn't solve much, Strickland would just go on to a terrible overpriced hire that the Gators will end up paying for years after he's fired. How many times does this have to happen before the idiot Strickland gets the boot?

[@derrickmckinney6425]

Facts!

[@ARMY-ep6fz]

I agree 👍, i am a Bama fan and i still remember hating to play y'all. But nobody is scared anymore.

[@garyfurman]

This program has a goal of 0 and 12. Disgraceful leadership.

[@garyfurman]

Dam right it is. 0 and 12.

[@Scooter0923]

Strickland doesn’t wanna lose his job 😂😂😂

[@AlloPackYT]

This is bull****....No!! We dont want him here....Get the heck out!!!! 🤬😡

[@xliquidflames]

I feel like I'm living in The Upsidedown the past couple of days. The hits just keep coming.

[@G8trGreat904]

DJ MADE IT CLEAR AFTER THE SAMFORD GAME GUYS.. HE CAME FLORIDA BECAUSE OF BILLY BUT THE MAIN REASON HE CAME FLORIDA WAS BECAUSE HOW THE FANS SUPPORTED HIM DURING RECRUITMENT.. HE SAID HE A GATOR THROUGH AND THROUGH.. THESE CHANNELS NEEDS VIEWS TO MAKE REVENUE, SO THEY WILL TELL YOU JUST ABOUT ANYTHING DONT FORGET THAT....

[@colicrud]

He didn’t say a damn thing about 2025. You can imply that but I believe that was very intentionally left out

[@seanmcnary1074]

We wouldn’t have found anyone. It would have just been another 3 years of looking for another coach. Our 5th hire in 15 years

[@MattWolfe-r6d]

Andy he is 15-18 at this point.

[@dustyflair]

No state job contract, IN ANY STATE, should be longer than 4 years.

[@rk41gator]

GOOD! Napier will be a great coach for Florida if he can make it through this season and hold onto Lagway, Baugh, and Wilson. Character matters. Which is why I would HATE to have Lane Kiffin as a coach. He has repeatedly demonstrated a complete lack of integrity and character. Hard to believe but perhaps losing Etienne was a good thing? (btw, I have been a Gator fan since before 1968)

[@kennydukes9127]

Even if he had an NFL talent roster it wouldn’t be enough to offset his incompetence as a coach. But he’s a nice guy and has moral victories smh

[@williamhodges3941]

What a joke

[@bykviking13]

We can’t afford to lose all of our young talent to the portal. Let’s build a dynasty!

[@somasekharpotluri8204]

Would he get a new offensive coordinator?

[@brentsummers2040]

He needs to hire a OC n let them call the plays

[@timfonvielle8693]

I think it's the best move just wait until you can get the next Spurrier

[@fivehundrediq5212]

shut up

[@Adrian-tv3ku]

Don’t know if Lane is leaving a Playoff Team. So they probably wouldn’t get Lane

[@RyanSmith-fb8rf]

Good luck getting anyone in the portal to play for that dumpster fire. The Tennessee game should have sealed his fate because he flat out lost them that game

[@susanwagner6294]

So thankful for Coach Napier and our football team Praise The Lord 🙏 ♥️

[@AdamMurr-l6q]

Thankful for what?? 15-18 overall record? 1-9 against rivals? Losing with integrity?people like you are part of the problem..

[@underground5682]

@@AdamMurr-l6qfacts

[@ARMY-ep6fz]

Sorry Florida, we will start a go fund me for y'all.

[@derrickmckinney6425]

I hate AD Scott Stricklin aka Mr. Pickleball!

[@toddhelms4037]

guess Im done with football. Florida doesn't want to win anymore.

[@underground5682]

Yep

[@shawnhardman7848]

Scott Stricklin came from Miss State and he does not know how to hire championship level coaches in any sport. Mediocrity is the going rate at Miss State and he has brought that expectation to Gainesville…he hired Billy Napier from the smaller Sun Belt Conference, and anyone who has played tackle football and/or has any common knowledge of the game can see that Napier is not able to effectively coach at the level needed to be successful at UF in the SEC. Napier is being paid over $7M a year for what!!??!! Mediocrity…Miami’s coach was hired at the same time with the same program challenges back 3 years ago and look at the results UM football has on the field. If Napier stays at UF then we will be looking at a 6 game (lowest bowl qualifier) winning season as successful (at best)!! I will remind everyone that the 2025 Gator football schedule is nearly identical to this season, except that it is actually a tad harder being that there will be more away games against many of the same teams. This is not the same powerhouse SEC football program anymore I am sad to say…😞

[@ecinZtark]

Jeremiah Smith

[@RyanSmith-fb8rf]

He’ll be in Miami next year if he goes anywhere

[@Yonisaurus]

I like it we started ugly but everyone we lost against is a playoff contender right now.

[@jonathan2014mhs]

That's the problem. Shouldn't we be playoffs contenders in year 3? Meanwhile we aren't even bowl eligible 😂 But Go Gators i guess🫠

[@FrenchUncleLou]

Wait til Texas beats us 41-0 this weekend lol

[@FrenchUncleLou]

@@jonathan2014mhs Gators aren't going anywhere but the toilet

[@MontiMorris]

These fans cool with losing

[@FrenchUncleLou]

@@MontiMorris absolutely they even celebrate it what a disgrace

[@laurakilmer8652]

Keep him, and keep that losing going.

[@willhopson1277]

For all those who want Billy gone, who’s your replacement ?

[@michaelschneider8656]

Another year of clickbait for you guys

[@DEATHB4DISHONOR556]

NOOOOOOOOOOO😢

[@jvillebil13]

If Billy starts out next season with 3 loses in his first 6 games he's TOAST.

[@frank7268]

Florida football is OFFICIALLY a dead program. Sad.

[@kg30004]

Not remotely true. Team is gonna be a threat next year.

[@frank7268]

@ THAT is not remotely true hahaha Billy Napier is a proven LOSER. He is a master of disappointment. You’re delusional.

[@brandonallger1795]

@@kg30004a threat to finish last in the SEC. We suck, and our coach is a moron. The Only bigger moron is our AD.

[@xosuper9193]

hope all the big donors pull funding. this is a disgrace

[@claytonyoung1351]

Billy was never fired. Unofficial rumors about funding being secured means nothing. The only thing that matters is what Strickland said today. Billy is going nowhere. #keepBilly suck it haters

[@FredRobinson-fi1yp]

Strickland is full of shit. He just trying to save his job. My GOD please help Florida.

[@brandonbarnes9681]

Welp Miami putting Belt to Ass next yr too. #BacktoBackStateChamps 😎🙌🏾

[@hilbertshotel]

(1) Recruiting stinks (not even a top-50 class right now) (2) Likely three-straight losing seasons (and the schedule is basically the same in 2025) (3) BN is 1-10 vs. our rivals (4) We're losing star players to the portal (Etienne, Princely, etc.) (5) NIL mismanagement, even with the largest staff in the country Why would we keep Napier? Because the defense has looked better in the last 4-5 weeks? Ridiculous. Stricklin is keeping Napier because he loses his job if he whiffs on his third HC hire. It's CYA time that's going to set UF football back another half-decade. No SEC HC with three straight losing seasons went on to win a conference or national title. Let that sink in, people. Stricklin is sacrificing our program to save his ass. That's all that's happening.

[@BigBlueHorses]

Once again UF leadership has decided they don’t care about football or being a real competitor. Sucks because Gator Nation deserves better than to be told, embrace the suck or root for someone else. Gator Nation needs to revolt. No more donations. No more season ticket buying. No more NIL donations. Just walk away until UF leadership gets the message once and for all.

[@kingsaco]

Andy, I told my neighbor that if Florida decided to stick with Napier. They might as well keep him for the entire contract of 7 years. Florida is a mediocre 5 to 6 win program.

[@richardjohnson9702]

This really sucks

[@markslonim3696]

If we are keeping him, now is the time to say so. The recruiting class is poor in part because our fans are screaming to fire him. If that is you… go scream in a pillow… it will help recruiting and have the same impact on the decision… lol

[@derekowenjr3599]

The motto at FL use to be bring in the right coach and that means Natty - and his isn’t the case now in the NIL world of today

[@D.Nice..]

UF is cooked

[@jsmith3964]

why not most of the players are hurt. JUUST WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR.

[@frank7268]

Big names will NOT play for a loser like Napier.

[@tommyzee7251]

Sooo much better without the portly failed New York Times reporter

[@stanleyday7293]

UF football is burning to the ground, and the Athletic Director (the Arsonist) thinks the fire is beautiful! Statistically, the worst UF coach in modern history. The bar is set low at UF. It is now the home of Moral Victories. I'm done with the football program. All of our rivals and SEC foes are cheering this move. 1-10 against rivals - 2-13 against ranked teams. Pathetic!

[@thebigbmasta1]

Unserious program

[@derekowenjr3599]

TN hired 3 bad coaches in a row just sayin

[@charlestoddsullivanforpres6628]

1-10 against rivals. Stop making excuses. He's a failure. Go get a winner and stop waving the white flag.

[@BenC-77]

I'm a GATORS fan...faithful...I want a new and better coach, roster, and results for my Gators. I don't love this move at all, but I do understand the move. I don't agree, but Strickland was never going to fire his guy and there is basically nobody in place that can overrule him right now

[@frank7268]

BILLY NAPIER DESERVES NO DAMN CREDIT FOR BEING A LOSER. People like Andy are a part of the damn problem. Trying to spin this damn loser as something that could even be positive is insulting

[@leonhartz5392]

We have no recruiting class this year. He slow as hell to get players out of the port. Buckle up it’s gonna be a rough ride. Go GATORS 🐊

[@kg30004]

This announcement will help recruiting. Kids don’t commit to a coach that could be fired.

[@kingsaco]

Hey Andy, my friend said that his wife cheated on him the first three years, but in year 4, she is showing progress. Should he keep her?