Florida fires coach Billy Napier, names Billy Gonzales interim

Florida has fired head coach Billy Napier in the midst of his fourth season in Gainesville, the school announced on Sunday.

In a statement from the athletic director, the school cited the team's upcoming bye week as being reason to make the move now.

"Making this decision during the open date provides our team valuable time to regroup, refocus, and prepare for the challenges ahead," Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin wrote. "The timing also allows us to conduct a thoughtful, thorough, and well-informed search for our next head coach. We remain fully committed to utilizing every resource available to identify the right leader to guide Gators Football into the future."

Napier, 46, posted a 22-23 record during his time with the Gators.

"On behalf of Gator Nation, I want to sincerely thank Billy and his family for their tireless commitment to the Florida Gators," Stricklin said. "Billy built a tremendous culture of accountability and growth among the young men he led each day. His organized and detailed approach had a meaningful impact across all levels of our program.

"As Coach Napier has often said, this is a results-driven business, and while his influence was positive, it ultimately did not translate into the level of success we expect on the field."

Longtime receivers coach Billy Gonzales was tabbed to serve as the team's interim coach.

"Coach Gonzales has been a valued member of our program for many years, including being a part of multiple championship teams," Stricklin added. "He is a Gator through and through. His deep understanding of our culture, our student-athletes, and what it means to represent the University of Florida makes him well-suited to lead our team."

Florida (3-4, 2-2 Southeastern Conference) will return from its bye to face rival Georgia on Nov. 1 in Jacksonville, Fla.

Napier's last game was a win, as the Gators seized a 23-21 victory against Mississippi State on Saturday.

Florida entered the season ranked No. 15 before losses to South Florida, LSU, Miami and Texas A&M. The last three on that list were all ranked in the top 10 at the time.

Napier already was on the hot seat after compiling a 19-19 record in his first three seasons at Florida.

He has a 62-35 overall coaching record after posting a 40-12 mark with Louisiana (2018-21).

--Field Level Media