Florida HC Billy Napier Reportedly Could Be Fired 'As Soon As This Weekend'

Florida head coach Billy Napier's time in Gainesville could be coming to an end shortly.

According to Matt Hayes of USA Today, three people with "direct knowledge of the situation" said that Napier "could be fired as soon as this weekend."

The Gators fell to 2-4 this season with a 34-17 loss to No. 5 Texas A&M this past Saturday. Things looked to be moving in a positive direction after their upset win over then-No. 9 Texas, but they failed to capitalize on that momentum with a flat performance against the Aggies.

Florida Gators - Texas A&M Aggies Highlights

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Hayes noted that the three sources revealed that Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin "met with a handful of influential boosters Tuesday, and was told continuing financial support depends on new direction within the football program."

Napier joined the Gators prior to the 2022 campaign and endured losing seasons in his first two years. He led the team to an 8-5 record in 2024, ending with a dominant 33-8 win over Tulane in the Gasparilla Bowl. Unfortunately, Florida struggled mightily to start this season with three losses in its first four games.

Hayes pointed out that Napier has a buyout of approximately $21 million in his contract with the Gators. The schools boosters reportedly were "ready to pay Napier's large buyout" last year, but they were "held off by Stricklin and convinced to use that money in NIL space."

Barring a major turnaround, it seems that Napier's fate is already sealed. If Florida lets him go at some point this year, the program will have to search for its fifth coach since Urban Meyer resigned after the 2010 season.