Florida fans start ‘Fire Billy’ chant after Gators lose to South Florida
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Florida fans weren’t expecting the losses to come so soon, so the environment inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Saturday night was equal parts shock and frustration.
Following an 18-16 home loss to South Florida that dropped No. 13 Florida to 1-1 on the year, fans left the stadium calling for Billy Napier to lose his job. Loud “Fire Billy” chants were heard as fans exited the stands.
If Florida were to move on from Napier, it would reportedly owe him 85% of his total remaining compensation. That figure would work out to roughly $19.4 million, with 50% due within 30 days of his dismissal and the remainder in equal installments over 4 years.
After the game, Napier said Florida was not good enough — particularly in the red zone — and that ultimately falls on his shoulders.
“There’s no excuse here,” Napier said. “I’m not here to make excuses.”
Last week’s 55-0 win over Lindenwood was the Gators’ fifth consecutive victory dating back to last fall. When the Gators were sitting at 1-2 after a loss to Texas A&M last season, Napier was very firmly on the hot seat. When Florida closed the season with wins in 5 of its final 7 games, Napier bought himself more time.
But that goodwill seems to have evaporated.
Florida will play 3 straight games against AP Top 10 teams over the next month. That stretch begins in Baton Rouge next Saturday when the Gators face No. 3 LSU.
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.
