Former Gators head coach Billy Napier set for huge payday after sacking

The Florida Gators have parted ways with head coach Billy Napier, ending his four-year stint with the program.

The news came on Sunday, despite the Gators’ narrow 23-21 win over Mississippi State this weekend. ESPN reports that athletic director Scott Stricklin was unimpressed with the Saturday’s performance and the general trend of under-achievement under Napier.

Even after the victory, Napier was booed by the Florida crowd and sprinted off the field. Across his time with the team Napier went 22-23, with a sub-par 5-17 record against ranked opponents.

In a statement, Stricklin said: “Making this decision during the open date provides our team valuable time to regroup, refocus, and prepare for the challenges ahead. The timing also allows us to conduct a thoughtful, thorough, and well-informed search for our next head coach. We remain fully committed to utilizing every resource available to identify the right leader to guide Gators Football into the future.”

Napier may have lost one of the most prominent jobs in college football but he is set for an enormous buy-out from the team. Florida still owes Napier $21 million from his existing contract, although it won’t all be paid at once.

Half of the $21 million buy-out is due within the next 30 days but the remainder will be spread out in three annual installments, beginning from next summer. The Gators are also still paying off former head coach Dan Mullen and will soon be paying three head coaches once Napier’s successor is confirmed.

In the meantime, the Gators have already confirmed that receivers coach Billy Gonzales will take over as interim for Florida’s remaining five games. Napier was not helped by the long-term injury to starting quarterback D.J. Lagway but the sense around the team was that his departure was long overdue.

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