ORLANDO, Fla. – Just like coaches, college football fans need to be willing to adjust their perspectives. Instead of bombarding social media with calls for Billy Napier’s dismissal, wouldn’t it be more impactful if Florida Gators fans expressed their support for his retention?
In a time when social media is often a platform for negativity, it would be refreshing to see dedicated Gators fans tweeting messages that could attract recruits, such as, “Our Gators are steadily improving. #BelieveInBilly.”
I believe Napier is making a compelling argument to keep his position. I think if he can secure two more wins, that should suffice for him to continue as the head coach. Achieving bowl eligibility with one of the toughest schedules in the country would likely be enough for him to stay on.
However, many fans, boosters, and media members seem to have already made up their minds about Napier after a couple of early-season losses to Miami and Texas A&M, with some suggesting he would definitely be let go. There were even claims that boosters had prepared the $30 million buyout for him and his staff, and discussions about hiring Lane Kiffin from Ole Miss surfaced—despite Kiffin having one less SEC win than Napier this season. In today’s culture, few would admit to being wrong. As Benjamin Franklin wisely noted, “Great haste makes great waste,” a sentiment that rings true even today, when patience seems scarce.
From the beginning of the season, it appeared many were unwilling to wait and see how things unfolded before making a final judgment on Napier. I commend UF athletic director Scott Stricklin for enduring the backlash without rushing into any decisions. Or perhaps he has made up his mind in private, worried about player transfers and further damaging recruitment efforts.
Before the season, the expectation was that if Napier could manage six or seven wins, he should retain his job. Shouldn’t that same logic apply now? I’ve maintained that Napier deserves a fourth season unless the team faces a disastrous record like 3-9 or 4-8. With a current record of 4-3 and three wins in their last four games, including a strong performance against No. 8 Tennessee, the Gators are on the right track. While some may criticize his decision-making, such as not going for a two-point conversion in regulation, those concerns shouldn’t warrant a $30 million buyout.
With the Gators needing two more wins for bowl eligibility, their schedule includes tough opponents like No. 2 Georgia, No. 5 Texas, No. 8 LSU, and No. 18 Ole Miss, in addition to a game against FSU, which they could potentially win. While beating Georgia and Texas seems unlikely, the Gators have shown they can compete, especially after defeating teams like Kentucky, which they handled easily.
If the Gators struggle against Georgia and Texas and lose to Ole Miss and LSU, then perhaps it would be time for a change, but I don’t anticipate that outcome. Even Napier’s staunchest critics must acknowledge that the Gators have been improving as the season progresses. The offensive and defensive lines have made significant strides, and the defense has drastically improved, allowing 200 fewer yards per game over the last three contests.
In Florida’s recent win against Kentucky, the Gators rushed for 197 yards against a top-ranked defense, and true freshmen DJ Lagway and Jadan Baugh made history as the first to start at quarterback and running back, respectively. Baugh tied a school record with five touchdowns, while Lagway showcased his talent with 259 passing yards, including five long completions. Keeping Napier could ensure that Lagway continues to develop, especially with a full offseason as the starter.
Ultimately, as the season unfolds, it might be beneficial for Gator fans to shift their approach on social media, replacing negativity with optimism. It would be refreshing to see Napier win a few more games and for Gator Nation to rally around their coach rather than criticize him.
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