CFB insider sparks Billy Napier firing rumors amid Florida Gators' humiliating defeat in Week 3 game vs TAMU

The Florida Gators suffered their second big blow early in the season following a devastating 20-33 loss against Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday. The loss became more frustrating for the Gators fans as it was being played at their home turf, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.

Despite Aggies starting QB Connor Weigman's absence with an upper body injury, backup QB Marcel Reed executed an upset for the Gators with ease. As Billy Napier suffered the 16th loss of his career in Florida, fans and critics alike called for his resignation.

Football writer Andy Staples of On3 was among those who came out harshly against the Gators coach, criticizing him for Saturday’s loss. He is convinced that Napier’s time with the Gators will end soon and that the franchise should look for new leadership if it wants its fans to stay loyal. Moreover, he also said:

"Napier was hired to bring Florida back. He has collected millions of dollars and only made the Gators worse."

Napier signed a seven-year, $51.8 million deal with the Florida Gators following a 5-6 losing season under previous head coach Dan Mullen. He was expected to lead the franchise to success following his excellent 40-12 overall record during his four years at Louisiana. However, with the Gators, he has struggled with two mediocre seasons.

NCAA Football: Texas A&M at Florida - Picture credit: Imagn

Before the 2024 season even started, there were already rumors about Napier’s firing if he was unsuccessful in reviving the team. The Gators took a strict decision in 2021 and fired Mullen after his only losing season in Florida. However, they have been more lenient with Napier, giving him a free hand in building a strong team. But given the recurring losses, will the franchise now look for new coaching talent?

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Dan Mullen vs. Billy Napier with the Gators

Dan Mullen joined the Florida Gators in 2017 after signing a six-year, $36.6 million contract. Before joining the Gators, he coached Mississippi State from 2009 to 2017, where he had a 69-46 record.

NCAA Football: Florida at Missouri - Picture credit: Imagn

After joining Florida, he led the team to two excellent seasons with records of 10-3 and 11-2 in 2018 and 2019, respectively. In 2020, he oversaw eight wins and four losses, but his final season ended with a 5-6 record, leading to his departure from Florida. In four years with the Gators, Mullen compiled a 34-15 record.

On the other hand, before joining Florida, Napier was the head coach at Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns with a winning record of 40-12. He was among the top coaches considered by Florida, but his 6-7 and 5-7 records in his first two seasons are quite the opposite.

Moreover, in his third season, he has already faced two significant losses against Miami and Texas A&M. The bigger challenge for Napier lies in the upcoming month, as his team will face five teams currently ranked in the AP Top 25 for Week 3: Tennessee, Georgia, Texas, LSU and Ole Miss.

However, the Gators will hope to secure a win in their next matchup, as they are set to face Mississippi State on Saturday.