Billy Napier can be on the sideline Saturday when the 4-4 Florida Gators look to upset the fifth-ranked Texas Longhorns.
Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin confirmed the college’s determination to maintain Napier because the Gators’ head soccer coach.
Napier’s future had been doubtful with the Gators’ continued disappointing ends in the coach’s third season.
However Stricklin talked about the necessity for a “disciplined, steady method” and urged Gators followers to “proceed standing behind Billy and his devoted group whereas we work collectively to construct a championship program.”
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Head coach Billy Napier of the Florida Gators throughout the first half of a sport towards the Texas A&M Aggies at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Sept. 14, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (James Gilbert/Getty Pictures)
The strain Napier is contending with surfaced early on this season, due partly to Miami’s dominating win over Florida in August. The Gators bounced again towards Stanford in Week 2, however the scrutiny resurfaced when Florida misplaced 33-20 to Texas A&M.
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Stricklin has taken a affected person method to Napier’s tenure, stressing the significance of giving the coach ample time to show this system round. There have been some shiny spots for Florida this season.
“As we have seen these previous a number of weeks, the younger males on this group characterize what it means to be a Gator,” Stricklin wrote in an announcement shared on social media. “Their resolve, effort and execution are evident of their efficiency and progress every week — constructing a basis that guarantees larger success subsequent season and past.”
Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier earlier than a sport towards the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., Nov. 2, 2024. (Melina Myers/Imagn Pictures)
After dropping the sport towards Texas A&M, the Gators defeated Mississippi State and UCF in consecutive video games. Whereas Florida hung with Georgia final Saturday, it was unable to knock off the Bulldogs within the annual rivalry sport in Jacksonville.
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium earlier than a sport between the Florida Gators and the Texas A&M Aggies Sept. 14, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (James Gilbert/Getty Pictures)
Monetary issues possible factored into the choice about Napier’s job standing. If Florida does reverse course, the college would possible be liable for Napier’s estimated $26 million buyout. Final yr, Texas A&M was on the hook for Jimbo Fisher’s record-setting $76 million buyout.
ESPN reported a big quantity of Florida’s identify, picture and likeness (NIL) cash is invested in freshman and sophomore gamers. Quarterback DJ Lagway can also be believed to favor Napier as his coach, in line with the report.
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Three of Florida’s 4 remaining opponents are within the high 25 of the School Soccer Playoff rankings.
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