Florida Fires Billy Napier After 22-23 Record in Four Seasons

Gainesville, FL – The University of Florida has fired head football coach Billy Napier, ending his four-year tenure with the Gators. The decision came on Sunday, October 19, 2025, following the team's 3-4 start to the current season, despite a 23-21 victory over Mississippi State the previous day. Napier finished his time in Gainesville with an overall record of 22-23, marking the worst winning percentage for a full-time Florida coach since 1949.

Athletic Director Scott Stricklin confirmed the change in leadership, stating, "Today I met with Coach Napier and informed him that a change in leadership of our football program would best serve the interests of the University of Florida." Stricklin acknowledged Napier's commitment, adding, "Billy built a tremendous culture of accountability and growth among the young men he led each day. His organized and detailed approach had a meaningful impact across all levels of our program."

Napier's tenure was characterized by inconsistent performance, frequent game management errors, and a struggle to elevate the program to the top tier of the Southeastern Conference. He never achieved a winning record in SEC play and held a 3-12 mark against key rivals such as Georgia, LSU, Florida State, Miami, and Tennessee. Despite a strong finish to the 2024 season, which saw the Gators go 8-5, the 2025 campaign began with high expectations that quickly faded after losses to Miami and South Florida.

The university owes Napier approximately $21 million as part of his buyout, with half due within 30 days and the remainder spread over three annual installments. This marks the second time in seven years that Florida will be paying three head coaches simultaneously. Wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales, who has had multiple stints with the Gators, has been named the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

The team now enters a bye week before facing rival Georgia on November 1, providing a period for adjustment amidst the coaching change. Stricklin indicated that the search for a new head coach will begin immediately, focusing on an "elite football coach who will embody the standard we have at the University of Florida."