CFB insider reveals status of Florida HC Billy Napier’s employment with the Gators amid firing rumors

Billy Napier remains in the hot seat after Florida suffered another loss to Texas A&M. The fan pressure to get the coach fired has significantly increased with Fraternity houses joining the call. This puts additional pressure on Napier as the Gators navigate their schedule.

According to college football insider Pete Thamel, there's no rush in Gainesville to get Billy Napier out of the program. The coach received a lot of support from the athletic department during the offseason and it seems this hasn't waned down despite the poor results.

“I had a big story on ESPN.com today looking at what’s next for Florida, and there’s an aura of inevitability that Billy Napier will get fired at some point this season,” Thamel said on College Football Live.

"From calling around and talking to different people, there does not appear to be the same urgency at Florida that there is maybe in the fan base right now to fire Napier. Part of that is Napier has the locker room. This isn’t a completely undisciplined team or a team that’s tuned him out.”

Uncertainty on Billy Napier’s future at Florida

There isn't a certain answer to whether Billy Napier will survive this season at Florida. While the athletic department wants to support him long-term, the intense pressure from fans and boosters also has a part in Napier's future.

This brings some uncertainty to the atmosphere at the program, which is unhealthy for the schedule they have to face. Nonetheless, Napier remains committed to changing the tides.

“For Florida, from the big picture, Victoria, we don’t know exactly who’s going to end up making the decision on Napier,” Thamel said. “Athletic director Scott Stricklin would seemingly be doing that, but there’s been no clarity on his status yet going forward.”

The timing is a crucial factor in Florida's decision

While the call to fire Billy Napier is at its highest, the timing might not favor it. Getting him out this early in the season means Florida has to find a capable temporary replacement in the coaching staff or outside the program, which is difficult at the moment.

“If you’re going to fire a coach early, you want to get going,” Thamel said. Obviously, you’ve got the portal and the signing day are now in early December – in that last week of November, first week of early December period. You’ve got to get everything together.”

Florida will owe Napier around $25 million if he’s fired before the 2024 college football season ends. Despite the poor results, the coach still has its toughest games ahead in the season, creating doubts about him surviving the tough phase.