Emmitt Smith reacts to Billy Napier's path to a 4th season: 'I'm not seeing it'
Emmitt Smith has kept a close eye on Florida’s trajectory under Billy Napier. While the current head coach sees a path forward with the Gators, Smith is not so sure that will play out.
At a recent press conference, Napier said he had not had conversations with anyone in the program related to his coaching future. He also claimed to “100%” see a path to coaching the Gators for a 4th season in 2025.
Smith, one of the greatest players in Florida history, is torn on the matter. He took a moment to discuss DJ Lagway giving the Gators the best chance to succeed and said it’s a tough call because the schedule is brutal.
“I’m not sure. I have mixed emotions because I think DJ Lagway gives us the best opportunity to be successful as an offensive unit because of his throwing ability and his ability to maneuver around in the pocket,” said Smith on an appearance for “Up & Adams.”
“… It’s so tough because our schedule is going to be so tough.”
After reading off the laundry list of tough games still to be played, Smith admitted it’s okay if Napier feels he has a road to another season. However, Smith doesn’t see that path right now.
“It’s going to be very tough to watch this season,” Smith conceded. “And if coach is right, that he has nothing to worry about, that he can see a 4th year? Kudos to him, but I’m not seeing it happening.”
At 1-2, Florida has a pair of winnable games up next at Mississippi State and home vs. UCF. After that, things get tougher with 5 ranked matchups in the next 6 games, including 4 teams currently ranked inside the top 10 on the latest AP Poll.
If Napier wants to survive, he’ll likely need to pull some major upsets, but the odds of that happening look slimmer as each week passes.
Former @GatorsFB RB @EmmittSmith22 believes this is Billy Napier's last year as the HC 👀🔊
"The loss this past weekend and the loss to Miami, both of those at home… It's not a good look."@heykayadams pic.twitter.com/myrFwAhG8S
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) September 19, 2024
I just met a guy in Canada that thinks Napier is going to make it at Least 5 years. Maybe you should interview him?
Now that right there is funny.
What is the guy in Canada smoking. Has he seen the product Napier is putting on the field. I was high on Napier the first couple of seasons until here we are in year three and the product he is putting out there is no different than year one and two. I see an undisciplined and a defense that can’t stop anybody. I feel Napier is ok with losing and he has his team following his lead. There is no way he makes it to 2025. I think they go to Mississippi State play a noon kickoff. Fla always doesn’t play well on noon kickoff s. They lose a close one and Napier like Zook will be fired before he gets back to Gainsville.
Only question is who’s the interim? There’s no one qualified on his staff. I believe that’s the dilemma for the admin.
I’m sure Spurrier even though he’s 79 would be the interim. I’m sure after that $hitshow he’s been seeing would love to draw up some ball plays.
Is there really a meaningful difference between 4-8 and 2-10? I don’t think the interim is going to matter a whole lot.
Peterson is a former Spurrier player and would be the best choice, of the current staff.
The early season timing remains the problem.
Dawgtime, not well known is the fact that dried moose dung is a popular psychedelic in most western provinces of Canada.
No I’m pretty sure your the only one that knew that. The question is why did you know that?
Well being that he is in the medical field, it makes sense that Doc knows facts like that.
Swampy: Though but a run of the mill, ordinary Shrink with no redeeming social virtues, I am nonetheless known far and wide as a purveyor of insignificant facts. Besides, I learned it in Army Survival Training during my otherwise callow youth.
I think the “path” is hoping the interim president doesn’t make any major moves and that Strickland also knows he’s a dead man walking and decides not to fire Napier and put the program in a weird limbo. I can’t help but think that if Strickland makes the next hire it’s not destined to last long.
Probably so, but the unknown variable is what is actually going on behind the curtain. Only a few Gator posters on these pages have a clue, and I’m surely not one of them either.
This is the same UF mega star that was to represent his university as the Mr. Two Bits Man at a game and wore the opposing team’s jersey. I understand his son plays for the opposing team, though Emmitt could have worn a UF jersey for the Two Bits and then changed, he could have worn something neutral, or he could have turned down the offer. Why should he now get to be the sage former UF star that cares about the program?
Anyone that think DJ Lagway gives UF the best chance to succeed offensively has not look at his stat line from last week. TAMU has a good defense, but not even close to the best that UF will face this season.
Smith ? Who cares what he thinks ! Have him shell out all the cash to hire the next coach and then ask his opinion?