Billy Napier - UF Head Football Coach

Alumni Guy · Nov 23, 2021

Billy Napier Here, and if you like boring football, I’ve got a product for you.

Act fast, at $5,000,000+/year, supplies won’t last*.

But wait, if you call within the next 24 hours, I’ll throw in my mid-major assistants.

*Subscription Required, buy-out and no mitigation if contract terminated, results not guaranteed.

GatorFL · Nov 23, 2021

oxrageous said:
Dude, Muschamp was a bigger hillbilly than this guy.

Cmon. Napier is Pruett with hair.

G. Gordon Gator · Nov 23, 2021

oxrageous said:
I think we're at the point they would hire Pee-Wee Herman if they felt he could rebuild the smoldering ruin that is Gator football.

It's all about perception with them. Mullen got fired for being too weird more so than for losing too many games.

They want our coach to field a competitive team, which they define as making it to a fairly respectable bowl game, and to be what they regard as a suitable representative of the university.

If you want to know what their criteria is, think of a school like Stanford. That is their gold standard and the type of model they have in mind for everything they do.

Stanford is known primarily for academic excellence and secondarily for being competitive in athletics, across all their sports. Their fans buy Stanford gear and go to games, but aren't clamoring for them to be perennial title contenders like Alabama or Clemson. They think that's gauche.

Check out the U.S. News & World Report Top 50, where the U.F. admin prides itself in being, far above all else. If I'm not mistaken the only schools on that list that have made it to the CFP since they started it in 2014 are USC and Notre Dame.

Football is no longer the priority for the admin that we think it should be. If you think they need the money, you're wrong. They used that money to springboard them in the direction they want to go, and now they're off and running.

They're looking at making more money in other ways, through different types of research and development programs. But to do that we need to obtain a truly elite reputation on the academic front. That's what they're after now.

oxking · Nov 23, 2021

Joegator96 said:
Scratched head over this decision

Interesting call but they ended up winning the game. Lucky? maybe. Ballsy call either way though.

BMF · Nov 23, 2021

I get it people are underwhelmed. But who TF were we supposed to hire? It seems many here want Kiffin. Do we even know if he wants the job? He's only been at Ole Miss two years, is he really leaving that quickly? There's some serious unreasonable expectations around here.

As far as we've sunk this program the last 11 years, I'm ready to see a guy with a vision that Napier has (if it's him or not); he plans to overhaul this disaster, budget driven, train wreck - by building a Bama-style recruiting office, Bama-style analyst & quality control operation, bringing in a real/bigger S&C staff, etc. If he fails, at least the next guy will be set up to succeed - unlike what Muschamp, Butters, and Mullen left behind.

Ironhead said:
This is equal to FSU hiring Norvell
Same hire.
No real accomplishments at the Power 5 level.

Disagree w/ this comparison. Someone compared Napier to Harsin yesterday and it was a poor comparison as well. Other than all three being G5 coaches, that's where it ends. Napier comes from the Saban tree, but also worked under Dabo & Jimbo Fisher. He has 11+ seasons as a P5 assistant (compared to Norvell's five seasons, 4 were in the P12 - most of Novell & Harsin's background was G5). For those wondering if he can recruit, he spent 11+ years w/ 3 of the best recruiters in the game (and he spent time w/ Kirby at Alabama). Who did Norvell toil under? I can't name one coach he worked under prior to getting the Memphis job. Also, he was 38-15 at Memphis (after he took over a successful program left by Fuente) - Napier took over a dumpster at ULL that went 5-7 and fired their coach.

NavetG8r · Nov 23, 2021

Young fresh blood. Motivated. Why not? Nothing else has been working. Meyer was of the same mold and brought us 2 championships.

Brooks · Nov 23, 2021

BMF said:
I get it people are underwhelmed. But who TF were we supposed to hire? It seems many here want Kiffin. Do we even know if he wants the job? He's only been at Ole Miss two years, is he really leaving that quickly? There's some serious unreasonable expectations around here.

As far as we've sunk this program the last 11 years, I'm ready to see a guy with a vision that Napier has (if it's him or not); he plans to overhaul this disaster, budget driven, train wreck - by building a Bama-style recruiting office, Bama-style analyst & quality control operation, bringing in a real/bigger S&C staff, etc. If he fails, at least the next guy will be set up to succeed - unlike what Muschamp, Butters, and Mullen left behind.

Disagree w/ this comparison. Someone compared Napier to Harsin yesterday and it was a poor comparison as well. Other than all three being G5 coaches, that's where it ends. Napier comes from the Saban tree, but also worked under Dabo & Jimbo Fisher. He has 11+ seasons as a P5 assistant (compared to NorveLLLL's five seasons, 4 were in the P12 - most of Novell & Harsin's background was G5). For those wondering if he can recruit, he spent 11+ years w/ 3 of the best recruiters in the game (and he spent time w/ Kirby at Alabama). Who did NorveLLLL toil under? I can't name one coach he worked under prior to getting the Memphis job. Also, he was 38-15 at Memphis (after he took over a successful program left by Fuente) - Napier took over a dumpster at ULL that went 5-7 and fired their coach.

None of that gets me excited for this hire. He looks and sounds like a moron.. probably means he's a moron

BMF · Nov 23, 2021

Brooks said:
None of that gets me excited for this hire. He looks and sounds like a moron.. probably means he's a moron

Then who are you hiring? Kiffin?

Brooks · Nov 23, 2021

BMF said:
Then who are you hiring? Kiffin?

Kiffin wouldn't be my first choice. But at least that puts us in a national spotlight. Nobody gives af about this redneck coaching here. No recruit is looking at Napier and begging to play for him here. I like almost anybody better. Norvell is a fair comparison. Seems like the same guy except I probably like norvell offense better. Idk at least Franklin would get headlines. I could name twenty guys better fit for this program.

bayou gator · Nov 23, 2021

This will be a very safe, vanilla hire for SS. This will give him an excuse to tell the fanbase to chill for a few years as the broken system is rebuilt. I think SS hopes he’s found his own version of Kirby. Time will tell. But, Napier better be a great game manager, because nothing about his offense allows him to build a margin of error. Get ready for a lot of underwhelming and close games. He definitely will always need a very good DC to protect the scoreboard. And for that reason alone, he better be able to recruit at the very highest levels, especially on defense.

I’m a believer in the ‘always be crootin’ philosophy. It’s what has turned ugay into the monster they currently are. People say Napier is cut from the same cloth. He better be. If we’re not in the top 3-5 recruiting classes every year, he has no shot to make this work.

Ironhead · Nov 23, 2021

BMF said:
I get it people are underwhelmed. But who TF were we supposed to hire? It seems many here want Kiffin. Do we even know if he wants the job? He's only been at Ole Miss two years, is he really leaving that quickly? There's some serious unreasonable expectations around here.

As far as we've sunk this program the last 11 years, I'm ready to see a guy with a vision that Napier has (if it's him or not); he plans to overhaul this disaster, budget driven, train wreck - by building a Bama-style recruiting office, Bama-style analyst & quality control operation, bringing in a real/bigger S&C staff, etc. If he fails, at least the next guy will be set up to succeed - unlike what Muschamp, Butters, and Mullen left behind.

Disagree w/ this comparison. Someone compared Napier to Harsin yesterday and it was a poor comparison as well. Other than all three being G5 coaches, that's where it ends. Napier comes from the Saban tree, but also worked under Dabo & Jimbo Fisher. He has 11+ seasons as a P5 assistant (compared to NorveLLLL's five seasons, 4 were in the P12 - most of Novell & Harsin's background was G5). For those wondering if he can recruit, he spent 11+ years w/ 3 of the best recruiters in the game (and he spent time w/ Kirby at Alabama). Who did NorveLLLL toil under? I can't name one coach he worked under prior to getting the Memphis job. Also, he was 38-15 at Memphis (after he took over a successful program left by Fuente) - Napier took over a dumpster at ULL that went 5-7 and fired their coach.

What really rankles me is how many on this board immediately discounted Luke Fickell.
He’s accomplished much more at the group of 5 level than Napier, and may even make the playoff this year.
Think about that for a second…

As far as Pedigree, he’s in Urban’s coaching tree.

He’s another not so splashy hire but, in my opinion, much more accomplished than Billy, at the Group of 5 level.

I mean, if we aren’t going to swing for the fences and get the best possible coach at this time, Then why settle for a guy that has a boring offense and a bunch of Sunbelt level coaches on his staff?

Huge reach for Florida to pick Napier.
Huge

maheo30 · Nov 23, 2021

BMF said:
Disagree w/ this comparison. Someone compared Napier to Harsin yesterday and it was a poor comparison as well. Other than all three being G5 coaches, that's where it ends. Napier comes from the Saban tree, but also worked under Dabo & Jimbo Fisher. He has 11+ seasons as a P5 assistant (compared to NorveLLLL's five seasons, 4 were in the P12 - most of Novell & Harsin's background was G5). For those wondering if he can recruit, he spent 11+ years w/ 3 of the best recruiters in the game (and he spent time w/ Kirby at Alabama). Who did NorveLLLL toil under? I can't name one coach he worked under prior to getting the Memphis job. Also, he was 38-15 at Memphis (after he took over a successful program left by Fuente) - Napier took over a dumpster at ULL that went 5-7 and fired their coach.

Good response. NorveLLLL never built anything at Memphis. His first actual rebuilding is what he is doing at Clown College. And, he seems have turned them around a bit. His recruiting is still way below any sort of national title chances though. Napier built ULL all on his own. He built a recruiting system that lead to 3 straight no. 1 classes in the Sunbelt. Those classes are also the highest rated as far as points go. So, not only is he getting the highest rated class, it is at improvement talent wise. This season's class is number 1 in the SB with 163 points. That is literally 50-60 points higher than before he arrived. Can he do that in the SEC? We have no idea. Will the admin actually do what he wants and spend the money? We have no idea. I think this may be his biggest hurdle.

bayou gator · Nov 23, 2021

I’ll be in a wait and see mode for a VERY long time. I just don’t have the ability to put blind faith into anyone who has any connection whatsoever to butters.

neteng · Nov 23, 2021

That isnt a realistic drawback. Its a thinking problem. The game has changed with NIL. I dont want another hot shot XandO guy as the HC. I want a CEO who is going to build the program. I want to hire hot shot coordinators instead. I think Napier gets it. We will find out if he gets it when we see him build his staff and if he also acts like a NFL GM by building up the recruiting infrastructure as well.

PaulDrake · Nov 23, 2021

bayou gator said:
This will be a very safe, vanilla hire for SS. This will give him an excuse to tell the fanbase to chill for a few years as the broken system is rebuilt. I think SS hopes he’s found his own version of Kirby. Time will tell. But, Napier better be a great game manager, because nothing about his offense allows him to build a margin of error. Get ready for a lot of underwhelming and close games. He definitely will always need a very good DC to protect the scoreboard. And for that reason alone, he better be able to recruit at the very highest levels, especially on defense.

I’m a believer in the ‘always be crootin’ philosophy. It’s what has turned ugay into the monster they currently are. People say Napier is cut from the same cloth. He better be. If we’re not in the top 3-5 recruiting classes every year, he has no shot to make this work.

You nailed it here. The point is if he falls behind by a couple of TD's or a TD and a FG the Gators are screwed. His offense isn't designed for catch up. Not only that the SEC is built on lightening speed players and he doesn't recruit for that just position skill. He's ONE DIMENSIONAL in a multi dimensional conference and he's going to be bent over like someone's b**** in a LOT of SEC games. This isn't weenie Sunbelt Conference football here.

williston_gator · Nov 23, 2021

Unconfirmed rumor on TOS too.

@BoardGeniuses: BREAKING NEWS!
#Florida has hired Billy Napier! This according to HankSter13 who is a very credible source. #GoGators

BMF · Nov 23, 2021

Ironhead said:
What really rankles me is how many on this board immediately discounted Luke Fickell.
He’s accomplished much more at the group of 5 level than Napier, and may even make the playoff this year.
Think about that for a second…

As far as Pedigree, he’s in Urban’s coaching tree.

He’s another not so splashy hire but, in my opinion, much more accomplished than Billy, at the Group of 5 level.

I mean, if we aren’t going to swing for the fences and get the best possible coach at this time, Then why settle for a guy that has a boring offense and a bunch of Sunbelt level coaches on his staff?

Huge reach for Florida to pick Napier.
Huge

I like Fickell, and I think we likely reached out (if we didn't, Stricklin/UAA are truly short sighted). I don't know if he's realistic - he's never coached outside of Ohio in 22 years of coaching. But I like what he's done for sure.

The bottom line is: NONE of these potential hires are a sure thing, even Kiffin. I've read enough on Napier that IF he's hired I'm resigned to hope he succeeds because he built his career on a solid foundation, has a vision, and has proven he can win.

5-Star Finger · Nov 23, 2021

oxrageous said:
Fellas, then stop watching. Stop coming to Gatorchatter. Go build Ghostbusters props in your man cave.

I'm not spending the entire summer in here with everyone being insufferable. Life's too short.

Much like this football program, you're going nowhere.

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