Tim Brando calls Florida’s fan base ‘toxic’ as Scott Stricklin embarks on coaching search
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Billy Napier led the Florida Gators to a 23-21 victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Oct. 18. One day later, he was shoved out Florida’s door following a 22-23 record in Gainesville.
The timing of Napier’s dismissal feels odd, but generally speaking, it’s not a surprise. He had been on the hot seat for essentially a full calendar year. And when you aren’t meeting the Gators’ expectations, you’re eventually going to be let go. Play-by-play broadcaster Tim Brando has observed this before, he says.
Sunday afternoon, shortly after Napier’s firing was announced, Brando lit into Florida’s “toxic” fanbase. He believes Gator fans’ desire for instant gratification is hurting the school’s chances of building a program that rivals what Steve Spurrier or Urban Meyer built in Gainesville.
“The wait for what they want in Gainesville just got longer. I’ve said this before and I will again. The [Gator’s] fan base is TOXIC. I’ve known Scott Stricklin a long time and he now must again cave to the wishes of their fans,” Brando wrote on social media. “Florida as an Institution must make some difficult decisions as to how bought in they are in conjunction with their rabid fan base that’s never pleased!”
Brando pointed to Florida’s firing of Dan Mullen, who posted a 34-15 record across 4 seasons in Gainesville, as a perfect example of Florida’s miss-steps due to “toxic” fan behavior. He says Mullen is happier now that he’s not with Florida even though he’s making less money at UNLV.
“Had Dan Mullen stayed [at Mississippi State] he’d already have a statue,” Brando said. “He left for the Gators. Now he’s in Vegas making half as much money, but is a helluva lot happier!”
Florida has a bye this week, but will embark on its first game sans Napier on Nov. 1 versus Georgia. Kickoff for that contest is set for 3:30 p.m. E.T. on ABC.
