Featured Columnist IVNovember 7, 2024
Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photos
Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin introduced Thursday that Billy Napier will return in 2025 as the top soccer coach.
“I’m assured that Billy will meet the challenges and alternatives forward,” he stated. “We are going to work alongside him to assist any adjustments wanted to raise Gator soccer. As school athletics evolves, UF is dedicated to embracing innovation and technique, guaranteeing the Gators thrive in as we speak’s aggressive panorama.”
Florida Gators @FloridaGators
A message from Scott Stricklin pic.twitter.com/NpLD6ktrHj
Napier is halfway by way of his third season on the college and has a 15-18 report since arriving.
Due to that underwhelming mark, plenty of Florida followers will not be thrilled to be taught that Napier is sticking round, at the least for another 12 months.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel provided some context behind the college’s resolution, although, with NIL and contractual issues taking part in a task:
Pete Thamel @PeteThamel
Couple notes on Florida bringing again Napier.
Per ESPN sources, 70-percent of Florida’s NIL cash is in freshman and sophomores. There is a feeling in this system that star freshman QB DJ Lagway is aligned with Napier, and Napier can develop this core of younger gamers. pic.twitter.com/SwKdmNSbKd
Pete Thamel @PeteThamel
This resolution comes with the backdrop of the anticipated passage of income share for the 2025 season, which portends a quieter 12 months than regular for school teaching adjustments. Colleges want to search out an additional $20 million on the highest ranges, which makes buyouts harder.
This additionally may mirror the shifting requirements for Gators directors because of the arrival of the 12-team playoff.
Will Muschamp, Jim McElwain and Dan Mullen have been all dismissed regardless of having information over .500. Within the case of McElwain, issues had turned sour earlier than he even accomplished his third 12 months on the helm.
All three have been thought of disappointments as a result of they could not replicate the success of the City Meyer period or carry the Gators into the School Soccer Playoff. Now, the barrier for entry into the playoff is way decrease, so it is simpler to purchase into the concept Napier is nice sufficient to at the least make Florida a top-12 workforce and go from there.
Any coach is one good switch portal away from turning issues round as effectively.
Miami was mired in an analogous stage of mediocrity for years and now it is 9-0 on the power of quarterback Cam Ward, who got here in from Washington State. Main tackler Francisco Mauigoa can be a Wazzu switch, becoming a member of the Hurricanes in 2023, whereas sack chief Simeon Barrow was a Michigan State switch within the offseason.
If Napier’s return alerts a stronger dedication from boosters and NIL collectives, then Florida will wind up having the final chuckle.
Andy Staples @Andy_Staples
Florida is retaining Billy Napier. This is what has to occur subsequent to keep away from Groundhog Day.https://t.co/ykNXR3bmRa pic.twitter.com/FTkCwUrIx1
After all, if that is purely pushed by Napier’s buyout determine, then it is a selection that is probably self-defeating. Hovering round .500 for an additional 12 months will solely lead the Gators to slide additional down the SEC hierarchy and make it more durable to construct a roster that is able to contending.
Slicing an enormous examine is short-term ache for long-term ache. Texas A&M paid Jimbo Fisher more than $76 million to go away, and the Aggies in all probability aren’t regretting that call as they’re off to a 7-2 begin underneath Mike Elko.
