"I'm a football junkie": Billy Napier once shared his biggest experience of being an 'original OG' in Nick Saban's coaching tree

Billy Napier took over as the head coach of the Florida Gators in 2022. Prior to this, he spent several seasons building his experience with teams like Alabama, Clemson, Colorado State, Arizona State and Louisiana.

For Napier, the turning point in his life came when he was one of the OGs while Nick Saban was the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Napier initially served as an analyst in Alabama under Saban, in 2011, before joining Colorado State in 2012.

He then returned a season later as the WR coach of the Crimson Tide and spent four seasons with them. During an interview with Dennis Dodd during the 2022 SEC Media Days, Napier opened up about the experience of working under Saban and being one of the 'OGs' in his coaching tree.

"I certainly would not be sitting here today without that experience," Napier said. "You know my dad was a high school football coach. I mean I'm a football junkie. I mean, I live it, all day, everyday. And I was in a tough spot in my career there. 30 years old, really just been served a big piece of humble pie you know. And really what I needed at the time in my career. And coach Saban gave me an opportunity. And 2011 was a viable year.

"I mean, no meetings to run, no instructions to give on the field, no area to recruit, no position to recruit, and really in a place where I'm a sponge. What I observed validated a lot of things that I believed. A lot gets talked about the head coaches you worked for but people don't realize the assistant coaches that are walking the hallways."

He added:

"I mean if you just took that 2011 staff, all parts of the organization and you looked at where they're at.... I mean we've had some phenomenal people in the building. So it's coach Saban but it's also that network." (7:05 onwards)

Before joining the Gators, Billy Napier had a successful four-season stint with Louisiana. He put up a 40-12 overall record with them and led the program to two Sun Belt championships. Thus, fans have been expecting the same kind of success from him as the head coach of Florida.

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Billy Napier and the Gators secure second victory of the season against Mississippi State

This season, Billy Napier and his team were not off to the greatest start. They lost their season opener to Miami before winning in Week 2 against Samford. However, in Week 3, they once again suffered a loss at the hands of Texas A&M.

With fans criticizing Billy Napier and his team, the showdown against Mississippi State in Week 4 proved to be crucial for the Gators. And fortunately, the team emerged victorious with a 48-28 final score on the road.

QB Graham Mertz put up an impressive performance to lead his team to victory. He recorded a total of 201 passing yards and three TD passes while rushing for 24 yards with one touchdown.

The Gators will now get the time to rejuvenate and strategize as they now have an open week ahead. Following the break, they will be looking to continue their winning momentum against the UCF Knights.