Demand Grows For Powerhouse CFB Program To Fire Head Coach After Week 1

The Florida Gators welcomed the Miami Hurricanes in Week 1 for an in-state rivalry matchup.

UF kicked off their historically difficult 2024-25 season schedule with the No. 19 Hurricanes, heading into the game as underdogs in Gainesville.

Florida started the game down 7-0 early in the first quarter, having immense struggles on both ends of the field. Their defense was nearly marching off the field, forcing a field goal attempt for Miami early in the game, just before a roughing the passer call on UF.

Per NFL rule , "once a pass has been released by a passer, a rushing defender may make direct contact with the passer only up through the rusher's first step after such release." Any contact made after that will be called a Roughing the Passer penalty.

Behind quarterback Graham Mertz, who entered his sixth season of college football and second with the Gators, Florida was also struggling.

One thing that's helped Florida compete in the SEC over the last decade has been physicality. Despite most of the talent, in terms of high-level recruits and transfers being in the trenches and linebacker room, Florida was visually troubled.

With these ongoing issues, which have plagued the Gators for the past few years, fans believe head coach Billy Napier should be fired from the program after originally arriving in 2022.

"Fire Billy Napier," said one fan.

"Florida defense looks like Billy Napier about to update his indeed," joked one fan.

"I’ve seen enough, fire Billy Napier." commented another.

Despite the Gators playing a competitive game against a talented Miami roster, fans have seen enough.

One major issue fans have with Napier is his playcalling. They think he's hurting the Gators' offensive development, especially in the air.

Napier has been known for his run-first offense, which he perfected with the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns years ago. With the loss of ultra-talented running back Trevor Etienne to the transfer portal, the Gators simply don't have the talent in the backfield that they're used to.

They're playing behind Montrell Johnson, who has proven to be a successful option at running back, but it seems their only option at receiver has been Eugene Wilson III.

The limited weapons for UF leave players like Johnson and Wilson in difficult situations, garnering so much attention from Miami's defense.

With the Gators down 17-3 in the second quarter, fans made their final verdict on Billy Napier being fired.

"Billy Napier definitely getting FIRED play calling still horrible HE GONE," said one fan.

"Billy Napier is still horrible at calling plays." said another fan.

"Billy Napier is trash !!! fire that fool," mentioned one fan.

Related: Terrifying Hit On Quarterback Leads To Targeting Ejection In Week 1 Matchup

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