Billy Napier insists he sees path to 4th season at Florida: ‘100%’
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Billy Napier, obviously, has no intention of this being his last year in Gainesville.
But he’s fighting an uphill battle. The Gators are now 1-2 on the year with losses to Miami and Texas A&M, which was down its starting QB. The Gators defense does nothing to inspire optimism and numerous fans insist the quarterback situation is being wildly mishandled as we enter Week 4.
Regardless, Napier told reporters Monday that he “100% sees a path towards a 4th season with the Gators despite an ugly past 3 years.
Billy Napier … #Gators
Any talks about his job? “No. None.”
Path to a fourth season? “100%.”
— OnlyGators.com: Florida Gators news (@onlygators) September 16, 2024
In fairness, what else is Napier supposed to say to this question? That’s going to be the answer most times it’s asked to any head coach around the country. The real question from this answer is this: Do you believe there seriously has not been a discussion relating to Napier’s job at Florida through the first 3 weeks of the season? If there has not been, is that concerning to you?
Graham Mertz’ injury threw a wrench into things, of course. Freshman DJ Lagway showed a lot of talent against Samford, but Mertz was an average starter last season and has the tools to lead the offense. But in truth, Florida’s problems run much deeper than the QB situation.
To this writer, it looks as if the Gators lack hustle at times. The intensity just is not there early and it’s hard to identify a true star outside of Elijhah Badger, perhaps, or potentially Lagway.
Mississippi State has their share of problems, too. Let’s see if the Gatos can take care of business this Saturday at Noon in Starkville.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
