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The Florida Gators have decided to keep head coach Billy Napier for another season. Napier has led the team through a difficult season with four wins heading into Week 11. Fans have speculated whether the Gators would keep Napier as the coach based on the team's performance this year. Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin shared in a letter on X Thursday morning that the program is committed to Napier to continue coaching the team.
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In the letter, Stricklin explained that he'd noticed the Gators' effort in recent weeks and it helped make his decision. The team has won two of their last four games. In Week 10, Florida (4-4, 2-3 Southeastern Conference) suffered a 34-20 defeat to No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs (7-1, 5-1) on Nov. 2.
Despite their record, Stricklin thinks keeping Napier will help sustain long-term success for the program.
"UF's commitment to excellence and a championship-caliber program is unwavering. In these times of change across college athletics, we are dedicated to a disciplined, stable approach that is focused on long-term sustained success for Gator athletes, recruits, and fans, wrote Stricklin.
Stricklin added he believes that Napier can handle the responsibility of improving the Gators and the program will assist him in the process.
"I am confident that Billy will meet the challenges and opportunities ahead. We will work alongside him to support any changes needed to elevate Gator football. As college athletics evolves, UF is committed to embracing innovation and strategy, ensuring the Gators thrive in today's competitive landscape," Stricklin shared.
Fans reactions to Stricklin's decision to keep Napier as head coach
The decision to keep Napier as coach has been met with mixed reactions from fans on social media.
"This is the death of Florida Football," one fan wrote.
"haahahaaha. stuck in mediocrity," another fan commented.
Others criticized Stricklin and wanted him removed from his position.
"Scott Stricklin just made his last decision at UF. Great job sir. Wish you well in your future endeavors," a fan said.
"What an awful mistake. Just delaying the inevitable. And Scott needs to be out of here ASAP. He is just as big of a problem and should've been gone years ago," another fan criticizing Stricklin's decision.
While some fans have responded negatively to Napier's stay as the Gators coach, others look forward to the team's future.
"Smart decision old man," a fan replied to the letter
"Now we can finally move forward with recruiting. Thanks SS," another fan speaking positively about the decision.
Yes!!! This is the right decision. He's changing the players lives and our program to one of integrity teaching and investing in the lives of our team. And a championship team. He will get there. It's almost done now," a third fan wrote optimistically about the decision.
Napier will have a chance to sway fans' opinion of Stricklin's decision to keep him when Florida faces No. 5 Texas (7-1, 3-1) Saturday.
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