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When Florida football coach Billy Napier received a vote of confidence from athletic director Scott Stricklin last week to return for a fourth season, there was an assumption it came with conditions.
“We will work alongside him to support any changes needed to elevate Gator football,” Stricklin said. “As college athletics evolves, UF is committed to embracing innovation and strategy, ensuring the Gators thrive in today’s competitive landscape.”
That set off the message board rumor mill that the word “changes” means the end of Napier as both head coach and play-caller for the Florida Gators in 2025.
It could happen. But I would also respond with a quote from the esteemed Spanish philosopher George Santayana, “those that ignore history are doomed to repeat it.”
Last season, rumors swirled that Napier was going to go outside his coaching staff to bring in a new offensive coordinator. Liberty offensive coordinator Will Korn’s name was floated. Ultimately, Napier held on to his role as play-caller, citing the chemistry he created with quarterback Graham Mertz and the chance for UF’s offense to reach greater heights in 2024.
Napier could make the same argument next season with quarterback DJ Lagway, who showed promise and big-play ability before going down with a hamstring injury that could sideline him the rest of the season. Mertz suffered a torn ACL on Oct. 13 against Tennessee and is done for the year as well.
Florida enters its matchup with No. 22 LSU on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ABC) 12th in the SEC in total offense at 383.3 yards per game. Asked to evaluate play-calling and offensive game planning to this point, Napier replied: “I’m not ready to do any of that. Focused on LSU right now.”
Napier has insisted it’s been a collaborative effort all year on offense with quarterbacks coach Ryan O’Hara, offensive analyst Dan Enos and…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-football-coach-billy-napier-090544948.html
Author : The Gainesville Sun
Publish date : 2024-11-12 09:05:44
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