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Kirby Smart Confirms Billy Napier Visited Georgia Practice Ahead of Texas

Smart characterized the stop as a courtesy between longtime colleagues, not a staff role.

Overview

  • Napier attended Georgia’s Tuesday practice on Nov. 11, a visit Smart confirmed on the SEC coaches teleconference the next day after local outlets DawgsCentral and On3 first reported it.
  • Smart described Napier as a long-time friend from their Alabama days and said he simply dropped by, emphasizing there was no hiring or formal role involved.
  • The timing drew notice because Florida beat Texas 29-21 on Oct. 4 under Napier, though neither Georgia nor Napier specified any consultative purpose tied to Saturday’s matchup.
  • Coaches visiting other programs during the season is common, and Georgia is known for an open-door approach to coaching peers and networking.
  • Napier was fired by Florida on Oct. 19 after a 3–4 start and is reported to have a buyout near $21 million, leaving him currently unattached.