Urban Meyer says ‘Florida fans have the right to be upset,’ offers advice to Billy Napier
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Urban Meyer knows all about the expectations at Florida and the pressure that comes with being coach of the Gators. Meyer recently discussed his former program when visiting with long-time radio host Buddy Martin, who authored the book “Urban’s Way” in 2008.
Billy Napier’s tenure is off to a rough start by UF standards. The Gators are 11-14 in 2 seasons under Napier, finishing the 2023 season on a 5-game losing skid to fall short of bowl eligibility.
“Billy Napier and his staff, is there pressure on him?” Meyer said during a recent appearance on The Buddy Martin Show, per On3. “Hell yeah there is, but that comes with the job. I would not panic if I’m the coaching staff.”
Since 2010, much has been said and written about Florida fans lacking patience with their expectations. Meyer, though, offered a defense of his former fanbase.
“First of all, Florida fans have the right to be upset,” Meyer said on Martin’s show. “They’re fans. Florida is an elite place. Ohio State fans are really upset they’re 11-1. Florida State fans are losing their mind because they’re not in the Playoff. That’s what makes this great.”
Meyer said it’s important for players and coaches at a place like Florida to remember the fans are the reason they’re there.
“I would always try to temper myself and make sure our players and everybody knew, say there’s a reason why we have these nice facilities, I guess there’s NIL now, it’s because of fans,” Meyer said. “Just be careful. Just take it and deal with it because no one’s making the coaching staff stay at Florida, if you know what I mean. There’s plenty of places where you can go and mediocrity is accepted. And that’s not, Florida’s not one of them.”
As for Napier, Meyer reiterated his advice of remaining focused on the task at hand.
“I keep hearing about the process, the plan that he has,” Meyer said. “It’s got to at some point get going, but I would not panic if I’m him. I’d just keep grinding. Just keep your head down and do the very best you can.”
[H/T On3]
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
