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Billy Napier has been fired by Florida

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Oct 19, 2025 2:48 PM ET

The Florida Gators have finally made the long-awaited move to part ways with head coach Billy Napier.

Napier was fired on Sunday, according to multiple reports. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that the Gators owe Napier more than $21 million after firing him, and that his contract did not contain any offset language.

Napier’s buyout is more than $21 million. Half of that number is due to Napier within 30 days. He is not subject to off-set or mitigation, which means he’s due all of it even if he lands another job. https://t.co/JrBAjGwIsY
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 19, 2025

Florida made the move despite the fact that the Gators managed a 23-21 win over Mississippi State on Saturday. However, they are going into their bye week, which no doubt impacted the timing of the decision. The win was also anything but convincing, and Napier was showered with boos from the home fans as he left the field.

Napier has been on the hot seat for months at this point. He had lost the confidence of the fanbase last season, though he managed to salvage an 8-5 season despite a host of issues including terrible quarterback play. The Gators stuck with him for the 2025 season, but the noise grew louder after a 1-3 start, and an upset win over Texas only delayed the inevitable.

In three-plus seasons as Florida head coach, Napier went just 22-23, and posted a 12-16 record in SEC play. The 46-year-old only posted one winning season for the Gators.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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