Billy Napier explains decision to continue calling plays in 2025

Billy Napier at one point last season was being rumored that he was going to be relieved of his job as the coach at Florida. The team started off only 3-3 last year, and had 1 of the toughest schedules in SEC history. However, the team stayed together, and played some winning football to finish the year at 8-5 after a 33-8 win against Tulane in the Gasparilla Bowl.

There are now some big expectations for the Gators heading into next year, but one thing that will not change is Napier calling the offensive plays.

“It’s what got me here. It’s the way,” Napier said Wednesday during National Signing Day. “It’s how I became the head coach. It’s what’s helped us make progress and win in the past. I’m confident it will help us do that in the future.”

With the expectations even higher next season, Napier and the offense will be feeling the pressure to take the unit to another level. In his first season in 2022, the Gators averaged 29.5 PPG, which ranked 58th. They have followed that at a similar clip in both 2023 (28.4 PPG, 59th) and last year (28.3 PPG, 64th). With star sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway coming back to Floida, the expectations are this could be 1 of the better offenses in the SEC.

How much the offense improves could play a huge role in whether the Gators are contending for a bowl berth, or possibly contending for the conference.

Mark Kern