Billy Napier buyout: How much Florida owes fired head coach
By David Wasson
Published:
The Florida Gators reportedly fired coach Billy Napier on Sunday, ending his tenure in Gainesville after a 22-23 record in 3+ seasons and a 3-4 start to 2025.
Napier signed a 7-year, $51.8 million contract when he was hired to replace Dan Mullen in 2021. As part of that contract – which included his base salary, expense account and activities agreement payments, but does not include bonuses, incentives or retirement contributions – Florida paid for two vehicles including insurance, a suite at home football games and 16 tickets. He also had access to the University of Florida Athletic Association’s aircraft.
Florida now owes Napier approximately $21.2 million, according to USA TODAY, a total that is dictated by language in his contract that stipulates he is to receive 85% of his annual compensation. For this contract year, which ends Jan. 31, 2026, that amount is $7.4 million. The number rises by $100,000 each year in his deal.
Napier’s contract reportedly expires Jan. 31, 2029, and the first installment of his buyout – worth 50% of what he is due- must be paid within 30 days of his firing. The remaining installments, each worth 12.5% of the total buyout, would reportedly be due July 15 each year until fully paid. Napier also has no duty to mitigate the buyout worth, and Florida will not be able to offset what it owes against any future revenue.
Here is a breakdown with approximate values:
- $10.6 million due Nov. 19, 2025
- $2.65 million due July 15, 2026
- $2.65 million due July 15, 2027
- $2.65 million due July 15, 2028
- $2.65 million due July 15, 2029
It’s another big buyout for Florida to pay after previously firing Mullen, Jim McElwain and Will Muschamp.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. He also hosts Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson, weekdays from 3-5 pm across Southwest Florida and on FoxSportsFM.com. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
