Florida could hire their new head coach by Monday and Billy Napier is the favorite
By Ethan Lee
It looks like the Florida Gators have their top candidate to replace Dan Mullen as the Florida football coach. Keep an eye on Billy Napier.
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns head coach Billy Napier has seemingly been linked to every interesting job throughout the South that has opened up over the past few years. He hasn’t taken any of them, but he might just end up in Gainesville as the Florida football team’s head coach.
Napier might just be the guy to end up as the next head coach of the Florida Gators.
According to a report from Yahoo Sports’ Pete Thamel, Napier is the top candidate. He is evidently the favorite to end up in Gainesville and replace Dan Mullen.
Florida football coaching search: Will Gators hire Billy Napier?
Napier’s name has been connected to multiple coaching searches in the past and other teams have seemingly swung and missed in their attempts to land the Louisiana head coach. Will Florida be the job that Napier finally leaves Lafayette for?
It seems very plausible.
Napier hasn’t landed the best recruits ever, but he’s generally punched above his weight in that regard. The Gators are also in need of someone who can build their program and sustain success, Napier could potentially do that. It might be a good fit for all involved.
Napier has a 38-12 career record in four seasons at Louisiana, including a 31-4 mark over the last three seasons. His team was No. 15 in the final AP Poll last year.
Napier has previously been an assistant at places like Clemson, Alabama and Florida State so he’s worked under some great head coaches like Dabo Swinney and Nick Saban and is familiar with recruiting in the state of Florida.
Don’t be surprised if Florida hires Napier in the next day or two.
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