Florida Gators Fire Coach Billy Napier After 22-23 Record, Appoint Interim Leader

The Florida Gators fired head coach Billy Napier after a 3-4 start to the 2025 season, ending his tenure with a 22-23 overall record and disappointing results against ranked teams and key rivals. Despite a recent narrow victory over Mississippi State, performance issues and coaching decisions prompted the university's leadership to make a change. Napier's departure impacts a highly ranked 14th recruiting class, with recruits expressing mixed reactions but many remaining committed while awaiting the next coaching hire. Interim head coach Billy Gonzales has been named to lead the team for the remainder of the season, with offensive coordinator Russ Callaway likely taking over play calling. The firing triggered a $19.38 million buyout for Napier and introduced NCAA transfer portal restrictions for current players, who must wait until a new coach is hired to consider transferring. Florida's search for a new head coach is underway, focusing on finding a candidate who can restore the program's competitiveness in the SEC.