It has been a rough year for Florida Gators coach Billy Napier. The Gators are 4-4 (2-3 in SEC) heading into their trip to Austin to face the No. 5 Texas Longhorns.
The 2024 Florida schedule is historically difficult, with games vs. the 5th ranked Horns, No. 2 Georgia, No. 4 Miami, No. 8 Tennessee, No. 15 LSU, No. 16 Ole Miss plus Texas A&M and Kentucky.
In his third year in Gainesville, Napier is just 15-18 (8-13 SEC). After a rough start to the season, Florida played the Vols and UGA close in recent weeks showing signs of improvement. But there are worrying signs like the Gators’ 2025 recruiting class that only has 11 commitments and ranks No. 51 nationally, per 247Sports, which is 15th in the SEC ahead of only Vanderbilt.
Florida fans have been screaming for a change on social media and message boards. But the Gators athletic director Scott Stricklin has given Napier a vote of confidence, not only for the rest of the season, but for 2025 as well.
“As we’ve seen these past several weeks, the young men on this team represent what it means to be a Gator. Their resolve, effort and execution are evident in their performance and growth each week – building a foundation that promises greater success next season and beyond.
UF’s commitment to excellence and a championship-caliber program is unwavering. 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.
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.” — Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin
Billy Napier will continue as head coach at Florida pic.twitter.com/SnFFxCdzu0
— Josh Pate (@JoshPateCFB) November 7, 2024
It will be interesting to see if this public endorsement will have any impact on the game against UT this Saturday.