Florida has decided to bring back Napier. We look at the move means for the Gators, their portal plans and recruiting outlook.
opened the season 1-2, including blowout home losses to Miami and Texas A&M. Fan discontent was at an all-time high. So was speculation about coach Billy Napier and his future with the program. After the 33-20 loss to A&M on Sept. 14, it felt as if it was only a matter of time before the Gators made a coaching change.
Napier told ESPN in August,"You've got to deal with the outside noise, but you know the administration, you understand the heavy hitters, the big investors, they're fully behind you. They're helping you solve problems. They're invested in your team."According to multiple people familiar with the program, the belief is that Florida cannot keep hiring and firing coaches every three-to-four years because it will only keep setting the program back.
Florida feels good about its young talent. If a change was made at head coach, what happens to all that young talent? Particularly QB, whom the Gators need to keep building around moving forward. Stricklin noted the need for a"disciplined stable approach that is focused on long-term sustained success." In their view, keeping Napier is the most stable approach.
Stricklin had to be extremely aware of the fact that a coaching change results in the Gators' roster getting raided. They would've been in danger of losing a lot more than Lagway. Their SEC peers have already done advanced scouting on Florida's talent and who they would pursue if possible.
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