Florida Football AD announces that football coach Billy Napier will return for the 2025 season

Florida football athletic director Scott Stricklin released a statement saying head coach Billy Napier will return for the 2025 season.

The Florida Gators (4-4, 2-3 SEC) are coming off a spirited effort in a 34-20 loss to rival No. 2 Georgia in Jacksonville. Nevertheless, the loss dropped Napier to 2-13 against ranked opponents. Napier is 15-18 overall in his third season at UF.

Here’s Sticklin’s full statement:

“I wanted to let you know that Billy Napier will continue as Florida’s head football coach Gators.

“As we have seen in recent weeks, the young men on this team represent what it means to be a Gator. Their determination, effort and execution are evident in their performance and growth every week – they are building a foundation that promises greater success next year. season and beyond.

“UF’s commitment to excellence and a championship-caliber program is unwavering. During these times of change in college athletics, we are committed to a disciplined, steady approach focused on long-term, sustainable success for Gator athletes, recruits and fans .”

What’s next for Florida football after Billy Napier’s announcement?

The announcement comes before a crucial recruiting month as UF looks to bolster a 2025 class with just 11 commitments currently ranked 51st nationally. National Signing Day is December 4.

Florida next plays at No. 5 Texas on Saturday, where the Gators are a 21.5-point underdog. Florida may have to start third-string quarterback Aidan Warner after freshman DJ Lagway strained his hamstring and is listed as questionable for UF’s game against the Longhorns.

After Texas, Florida hosts No. 13 LSU and No. 12 Ole ma’am before finishing the season at rival Florida State on November 30.

Napier is in the third year of a seven-year contract that pays him $51.8 million. If Napier had been fired without cause this season, he would have received a buyout worth $26 million.

Kevin Brockway is the Florida beat writer for The Gainesville Sun. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow him on X @KevinBrockwayG1