Billy Napier picked up the most impressive SEC win of his tenure on Saturday and is being recognized nationally.

Napier has been named The Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week following Florida’s 29-16 win over division rival Tennessee.

“Coach Napier demonstrated an impressive coaching performance over the weekend over a highly ranked conference opponent and rival,” Jim Terry, chairman of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation, said in a release. “Jumping out to a commanding 26-7 lead at the half, coach Dodd would have applauded how well coach Napier had clearly prepared his team for a hard-fought battle right out of the gate.”

Saturday was Florida’s second win over a ranked opponent during Napier’s tenure. The Vols were No. 11 in the AP Top 25 and have now fallen to No. 23.

The Napier era began with a thrilling 29-26 upset of No. 10 Utah to open the 2022 season. He also picked up the Dodd Coach of the Week honor for that victory.

“Coach Napier has implemented a new culture at the University of Florida, centered around success both on and off the field,” Gary Stokan, CEO and president of the Peach Bowl, said in a release. “With his mentality to prepare his athletes for life beyond football, he’s building a new foundation in Gainesville that has already started paying dividends in only his second year.”

Napier is 8-8 overall in his second season at Florida. The win over Tennessee could be the key to the Gators avoiding a third consecutive losing season.

UF is taking a break from SEC play in Week 4, hosting Charlotte. The Gators will play 7 straight SEC games starting in Week 5 with a trip to Kentucky.