Florida coach Billy Napier fighting doubts with enthusiasm

Modeling enthusiasm in the face of adversity tops the agenda for Florida head coach Billy Napier, who admits he's concerned about the mindset of younger players during the Gators' difficult start to the 2024 season.

Florida lost to Texas A&M by 13 points last week in a game where the Aggies rushed for 310 yards and led 20-0 at half despite playing a freshman quarterback. The Gators have a 6-11 record against SEC opponents under Napier.

The "outside noise" has grown to include reports that Florida boosters have raised the funds to pay the $26 million buyout the university would owe Napier if he's fired.

More was expected of Florida in Napier's third season which includes six home losses. He said criticism and calls for replacing him as coach "come with the territory."

In the face of the firestorm, Napier transitioned this week into part coach, part counselor.

"A wise coach once told me you need the right combination of humility and enthusiasm," Napier said Wednesday. "Our ability to continue with the same enthusiasm independent of the result. ... I think what you're describing is part of the challenge. When you struggle a little bit, can you keep your head in the right place? Especially young people. We have to keep that same enthusiasm, that belief, that hope. I think that's one of the keys to turning things around."

Florida (1-2) visits Mississippi State on Saturday before a bye week. With a win, Napier believes the Gators can regroup with a home game against UCF and a visit to No. 6 Tennessee to start October.

Quarterback Graham Mertz said Napier took the blame for the team's losses this season, but players don't want to play for anyone else.

"Everybody knows that we can all do our jobs better," Mertz said. "We're all in this thing together."

--Field Level Media