Concern Grows for Billy Napier After Florida Boosters Make Pivotal Decision

It appears Billy Napier’s time as the head coach of the Florida Gators is coming to an end.

After Florida’s embarrassing 33-20 defeat to Texas A&M on Saturday — a game in which loud audible “fire Billy” chants could be heard in the second quarter — it seems fans are going to get their wish.

On3 reported that the University of Florida Board of Trustees has called a meeting for Sunday morning, and that coupled with the fact that Florida boosters have come up with the money to pay Napier’s buyout according to Matt Hayes of USA Today, could mean the 45-year-old coach might be looking for a new job as early as Sunday afternoon.

“A group of Florida boosters have pulled together money to cover the expense of firing coach Billy Napier, two people with direct knowledge of the situation told USA Today Sports,” Hayes reported .

If Napier, who signed a seven-year, $51.8 million contract with Florida in 2022, is fired without cause, the school owes him approximately $26 million, but that number could be less pending the results of an ongoing NCAA investigation.

“That number could be mitigated because Florida is currently being investigated by the NCAA for its recruitment — and Napier’s role in the recruitment — of former high school recruit Jaden Rashada,” Hayes added.

Napier is just 12-16 in two-plus seasons as the Gators head coach. He’s hasn’t finished a season with an above. 500 record.

Fans have been calling for Napier’s firing since Florida’s 41-17 season-opening loss to the Miami Hurricanes. A GoFundMe page was even started to pay for the cost of his buyout, though donations have been put on pause by the website.

Related: Florida Gators Fans Direct 2-Word Chant at Billy Napier During Texas A&M Game