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Billy Napier’s return: ESPN insider details reasons behind Florida’s decision
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Billy Napier is poised to return to Florida with AD Scott Stricklin confirming the decision on Thursday. It’s a stunning decision for many considering he is below .500 at the tail-end of his third season leading the program.
It is true that the Gators have looked much better in the second half of this season, but it hasn’t translated into many wins for the program. Florida is still 4-4 on the season overall, and the chances at a bowl game still hang in the balance.
So, how did Florida arrive at the decision to keep Napier for at least one more season? ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported some of the economics behind the move, and it points to the high price tag that the Gators would have been facing to move on and start from scratch.
According to Thamel, Napier’s buyout alone would have eclipsed $26 million, and that would have been the second-largest in the history of the sport. Only Texas A&M’s buyout for Jimbo Fisher last season eclipses that number, and the entire transition from Napier and his staff would have been around $40 million.
The problem with that cost, especially this year, is that programs are bracing for the expectation of revenue sharing being passed for the 2025 season. The added cost of that move makes buyouts in 2024 especially difficult.
This decision comes with the backdrop of the expected passage of revenue share for the 2025 season, which portends a quieter year than normal for college coaching changes. Schools need to find an extra $20 million at the highest levels, which makes buyouts more difficult.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 7, 2024
Thamel also reports 70% of Florida’s NIL money is invested in freshman and sophomores, leading to a feeling within the program that Napier can develop the youth talent on the roster. Star quarterback DJ Lagway, a former 5-star prospect, is believed to be “aligned” with Napier, and that gives the Gators a marquee talent to build around offensively.
Couple notes on Florida bringing back Napier.
Per ESPN sources, 70-percent of Florida’s NIL money is in freshman and sophomores. There’s a feeling in the program that star freshman QB DJ Lagway is aligned with Napier, and Napier can grow this core of young players. pic.twitter.com/SwKdmNSbKd— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 7, 2024
Florida getting the benefit of extra practices in bowl season would be a big boost, but that’s a rocky task. The Gators must face Texas, LSU and Ole Miss – a trio of ranked opponents — before ending the season against Florida State.
Napier’s team needs at least 2 wins to qualify for a bowl the traditional 6-win way. That means the Gators need at least one marquee upset to get there.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
