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Florida Fires Billy Napier After 3-4 Start, Billy Gonzales Named Interim Coach

The move arrives in the bye week with about half of a roughly $21 million buyout due within 30 days.

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 18: Head Coach Billy Napier of the Florida Gators looks on before the start of a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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Mike Norvell of the Florida State Seminoles looks on during the first half of a game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Doak S. Campbell Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Tallahassee, Florida.
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Overview

  • Athletic director Scott Stricklin announced the change a day after a 23-21 win over Mississippi State, a game marked by boos and “Fire Billy” chants.
  • Gonzales, the wide receivers coach, will guide the Gators through five remaining games, starting against Georgia on Nov. 1 in Jacksonville.
  • Napier departs 22-23 overall and 12-16 in SEC play, with a 5-17 record against ranked opponents and a 3-12 mark versus primary rivals.
  • Florida owes Napier roughly $21 million, with the first installment due within 30 days and the remainder in scheduled payments, according to multiple reports.
  • Stricklin begins a confidential search as media reports cite booster and board pressure, with early candidate chatter including Lane Kiffin, James Franklin, Marcus Freeman, Eli Drinkwitz and Jedd Fisch.