Listen "Billy Napier fired as Florida pushes to reestablish program’s prominence (Ep. 304)"
Episode Synopsis
Billy Napier was let go as the Gators turned the page on a failed four-year tenure ending with a 22-23 record and on track for a third losing season. UF is banking on longtime receivers coach Billy Gonzales to inspire a talented roster and ignite a lackluster offense during the remaining five regular-season games. All eyes, though, are on who will replace Napier at season’s end, with Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin atop everyone’s wish list. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar weigh in on a decision everyone could see coming, how the Gators got here and what direction AD Scott Stricklin should go to resurrect an iconic program and brand picking up the pieces once again. Billy Napier on brand until the end (0:00) What Billy has built: Legacy good for UF (5:00) Transactional coaching in 2025 (8:12) Napier: ‘I love the game of football’ (10:31) Behind the scenes: Napier had an edge (13:28) AD Scott Stricklin: Napier’s decisions brought us here (15:35) Napier issue or talent issue? (20:22) Stricklin: Next person is taking keys to real kingdom (25:36) Interim coach Billy Gonzalez (28:04) Players’ thoughts (36:30) Who is the next coach and how much will he make?(42:05) Lane Kiffin next UF coach? (45:12) If not Kiffin, who? (48:32) Next coach MUST energize fanbase and donors (50:19) Coaching long shots: Nick Sabin, Jon Gruden (53:03) Timeline for hiring coach (55:22) Keep Gonzalez to keep players (59:22)