Billy Napier has been the head coach of the Florida Gators since 2022 , but now he faces a stout 2024 schedule, and is receiving some harsh words from former Gators head coach Steve Spurrier.
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Spurrier coached the Gators from 1990 to 2001 before taking on roles with the then-Washington Redskins in 2002-03 and with the South Carolina Gamecocks from 2005-19.
Today, he's a paid member of the Gators' athletic department with the titles of "ambassador" and "consultant."
Speaking with Gene Frenette of the Florida Times-Union, Spurrier had some things to say about Napier.
Florida HC Billy Napier was already facing an uphill battle in 2024, and then the call came from inside the house.
"There's a feeling around the Gators of 'What the heck are we doing?'
Why Steve Spurrier's scathing comments only make his job harder: https://t.co/epkcNTjTSI pic.twitter.com/dmrhI4WTev
— Jesse Simonton (@JesseReSimonton) March 5, 2024
"There's a feeling around the Gators of 'what the heck are we doing?' There's a lot of questions that I don't have the answers to about organization," Spurrier said. "Just because you hire the most people doesn't mean you're going to win. All these extra people, I question how much that really helps.
"Billy [Napier] is a good guy who works his tail off. I like Billy, good family man. But we do wish the organization was a little bit more tidy."
In essence, he praises Napier's character but seems to question him as head football coach.
There's been a lot of coaching turnover during Napier's run, including secondary coach Corey Raymond, defensive line coach Sean Spencer, and linebackers coach Jay Bateman leaving to become defensive coordinator for Texas A&M. Additionally, Chris Fitzgerald left his role as strength and conditioning coach to take the same job at Boston College.
Fans on X reacted to Spurrier's comments toward Napier.
Billy Napier is gone after this season
— M🐊 (@GatorsNeedaOC) March 2, 2024
"Billy Napier is gone after this season," someone said.
I’m kinda tired of Ball Coach shitting on every coach when he coached against a bunch of dudes who worked at Radio Shack during the week in the 90’s.
— Rob C (@BravesGators) March 2, 2024
"I'm kinda tired of Ball Coach s———- on every coach when he coached against a bunch of dudes who worked at Radio Shack during the week in the 90's," someone said, defending Napier.
What is the point of saying this publicly? Address it with the coach in private. You are not helping the program with these comments.
— Yuri P (@GainsFinder) March 2, 2024
"What is the point of saying this publicly? Address it with the coach in private. You are not helping the program with these comments," another user wrote.
Now, we'll see if Napier responds to these comments or how the university responds. It's certainly something when a paid member of the athletic department's staff — albeit a former head coach — publicly criticizes the incumbent head coach.
The Gators' season kicks off Aug. 31 against the Miami Hurricanes.
