Report: Florida boosters raise money to buy out Billy Napier

Field Level Media|published: Sun 15th September, 10:22 2024

Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier talks with a sidelines official during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, September 7, 2024 against the Samford Bulldogs. The Gators lead 14-0 at the half. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]

Florida boosters have put together enough money to buy out the contract of football coach Billy Napier, USA Today reported.

The Gators fell to 1-2 Saturday after their 33-20 home loss to Texas A&M in Gainesville, where home fans started to file out before the end of the third quarter.

Per USA Today, Florida would owe Napier approximately $26 million should they fire him. However, the number could be reduced because of an ongoing NCAA investigation into -- and Napier's role in -- the recruitment of Jaden Rashada, according to the report.

The Gators lost their opener to rival Miami 41-17 before defeating FCS program Samford 45-7.

Dating to last season, Florida has lost seven straight games to power-conference opponents and has given up an average of 37.9 points per game and scored 24.9.

Florida hired Napier before the 2022 season, and he's posted a 12-16 record.

Now 45, Napier was seen as a young, emerging coach after four seasons at Louisiana, where his teams were 40-12 and he was a two-time winner of Sun Belt Coach of the Year. His 2020 team ended the season ranked No. 15 in the nation, with the Ragin' Cajuns finishing No. 16 the following season.

At Florida, Napier has posted records of 6-7 and 5-7 in the first two seasons, respectively, with 3-5 marks in the Southeastern Conference each season. Bowl-eligible in 2022, they lost 30-3 to Oregon State in the Las Vegas Bowl.

--Field Level Media

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