Billy Napier comments on future play-calling plan after 1-3 start
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They say the definition of insanity is doing nothing while expecting different results. Some college football coaches would disagree with such a statement, arguing instead that steadiness in the face of adversity can pay dividends.
Florida head coach Billy Napier would seemingly fall into the latter camp.
During the SEC coaches teleconference call on Wednesday, Napier told reporters he intends to remain the primary play-caller for Florida. Despite opening the season 1-3 and ranking 80th nationally in success rate, Napier will not be handing off control of the offense to one of his assistants.
Earlier during the teleconference call, Napier called speculation that quarterback DJ Lagway might opt out of the rest of the season “comical.” That partnership between quarterback and play-caller was the catalyst for Florida’s hot close to the 2024 season, but it simply has not clicked early in 2025. Lagway ranks 90th among qualified FBS quarterbacks in Total QBR. He ranks 122nd among qualified FBS quarterbacks in total EPA (expected points added) at 0.0.
Prior to being asked about play-calling changes, Napier commented specifically on changes that need to be made within the offense. He said the entire team has to play better, and there’s a “renewed emphasis” on accountability within the offense.
“I think there’s a renewed emphasis on accountability. Obviously, we have to play better. Every position group is contributing to our issues, so I know obviously a lot is made of DJ and his situation, but I do think when we look at it from a big picture standpoint, we’ve got to play better around him,” Napier said. “And then, just some of the points of emphasis are eliminating negative plays. And I do think that first-down efficiency has contributed to some of our problems as well.
“But in general, I think we have to address that part of our team and there’s gotta be some changes, and certainly that’s what we’re doing.”
Just not when it comes to calling plays.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
