Ok, so ya’ll know Napier isn’t getting fired, right?!?!?

[gatorbuilderorlando]

Florida football players asked for change, Billy Napier listened and now the Gators may save his job

Florida players asked for defensive change, and coach Billy Napier embraced the criticism in a season of uncertainty. It might save his job.

www.usatoday.com

You could see the change starting with the UCF game on defense. I haven't watched replays of those games but people on other sites say that it appears Armstrong was given back control of the defense. An unnamed big booster says he has to win 7 games to survive but not sure I buy that as long as he gets a win by the LSU game and doesn't get blown out in both the GA and TX games. I guess if it's big booster Gary and he has the majority of the other ones with him he could force it though even if Napier gets 6 wins. My view is he has a good chance to remain (even if we don't agree with it) if he beats LSU and FSU. I think an Ole Miss win would probably be too late to save him. Could Napier upset GA or TX or win the LSU and Ole Miss games? I put it at well under a 50% chance right now.

It's funny - it seems ppl are moving the goal posts for how many wins it'll take Napier to keep his job. I'm seeing this on both sides and it's funny, ppl that want him fired are moving it up with the last few wins and vice versa.

Either way - I felt like 7 prior to the year would do it but seeing the product on the I've moved to 8 wins at this point. Split UGA/TX - beat Ole Miss, throttle FSU, get 1 more win and then go win a bowl - then I'll think Napier is righting the ship.

Anything less and it's the same ol.

 

[Gator Fever]

It's funny - it seems ppl are moving the goal posts for how many wins it'll take Napier to keep his job. I'm seeing this on both sides and it's funny, ppl that want him fired are moving it up with the last few wins and vice versa.

Either way - I felt like 7 prior to the year would do it but seeing the product on the I've moved to 8 wins at this point. Split UGA/TX - beat Ole Miss, throttle FSU, get 1 more win and then go win a bowl - then I'll think Napier is righting the ship.

Anything less and it's the same ol.

The big boosters probably make the final decision as I doubt the AD gets canned. 7 wins and I think he is a lock to return next season. Reading that booster say he needs to win 7 does make me think he is likely gone if he doesn't win one out of GA, TX and LSU though. I am wondering if they think they can land Kiffin and that is why the big booster said 7 wins and no mention of 6 to keep his job. There was talk before that there was already discussions (agent comms probably)) from someone we were interested in.

 

[bradleygator]

Pre season, wouldn’t have accepted 6 wins. And I thought he should have been fired after the first two losses. But at this point, I’d keep him with 6 wins if we think it helps us keep Lagway. Reasons being: defense is playing competent football for the first time in years; Lagway looks totally legit, maybe generational; nobody else is really looking like a slam dunk.

College football is just flattened out at the moment. The games are all coin flips. If I’m going to be flipping coins anyway, I’ll save the $30 million and keep Lagway.

 

[sadgator]

There is no magic number. And after Florida gets steamrolled this weekend, the “fire” alarms will be going off again.

But Napier isn’t getting fired…period.

 

[Gator Fever]

Pre season, wouldn’t have accepted 6 wins. And I thought he should have been fired after the first two losses. But at this point, I’d keep him with 6 wins if we think it helps us keep Lagway. Reasons being: defense is playing competent football for the first time in years; Lagway looks totally legit, maybe generational; nobody else is really looking like a slam dunk.

College football is just flattened out at the moment. The games are all coin flips. If I’m going to be flipping coins anyway, I’ll save the $30 million and keep Lagway.

One argument against doing that is recruiting has sunk this year due to his status and if we started bad again next season it would be another bad year. We could use NIL transfers to hopefully shore up next season some if Lagway stays.

 

[Gator Fever]

There is no magic number. And after Florida gets steamrolled this weekend, the “fire” alarms will be going off again.

But Napier isn’t getting fired…period.

We will have to make some kind of bet on that. I will take the side that says he is gone if we lose the next 3 games and that Ole Miss can't save him then. The atmosphere would be right back to where it was after the A&M game in that scenario.

 

[gatordad3]

We will have to make some kind of bet on that. I will take the side that says he is gone if we lose the next 3 games and that Ole Miss can't save him then. The atmosphere would be right back to where it was after the A&M game in that scenario.

I believe Napier has to beat at least one of those 3, Georgia, Texas, or LSU, then win out to save his job. He loses to all 3, then beating Ole Miss and FSU won't mean squat.
6-6, 5-7, what's the difference?

 

[Michi_Gator]

The big boosters probably make the final decision as I doubt the AD gets canned. 7 wins and I think he is a lock to return next season. Reading that booster say he needs to win 7 does make me think he is likely gone if he doesn't win one out of GA, TX and LSU though. I am wondering if they think they can land Kiffin and that is why the big booster said 7 wins and no mention of 6 to keep his job. There was talk before that there was already discussions (agent comms probably)) from someone we were interested in.

If he loses to UGa, TX and LSU and is fired after the LSU game, I would say that is a decent indicator they intend/believe they can land Lane.

 

[sadgator]

If he loses to UGa, TX and LSU and is fired after the LSU game, I would say that is a decent indicator they intend/believe they can land Lane.

Not to be repetitive or naive, but who are “they???!!!”

Stricklin isn’t “they”…Fuchs isn’t “they.” What “they” in control right now do people think have the actual ability to fire him?

There is no “they.” “They” are apparently people who everyone thinks have power, but in reality, have none.

 

[Michi_Gator]

Not to be repetitive or naive, but who are “they???!!!”

Stricklin isn’t “they”…Fuchs isn’t “they.” What “they” in control right now do people think have the actual ability to fire him?

There is no “they.” “They” are apparently people who everyone thinks have power, but in reality, have none.

Money = control

Especially with DJ getting a huge payday

 

[Gator Fever]

Not to be repetitive or naive, but who are “they???!!!”

Stricklin isn’t “they”…Fuchs isn’t “they.” What “they” in control right now do people think have the actual ability to fire him?

There is no “they.” “They” are apparently people who everyone thinks have power, but in reality, have none.

If you don't think the big boosters are making this call you are crazy. They already pooled the buyout money and are ready to act. The AD will say its his choice like they always do but the biggest boosters will decide Napier's fate this season.

 

[sadgator]

If you don't think the big boosters are making this call you are crazy. They already pooled the buyout money and are ready to act. The AD will say its his choice like they always do but the biggest boosters will decide Napier's fate this season.

sadgator’s already said enough on the subject, but in 30+ years of almost religiously following this team, sadgator has never seen one thing that demonstrates that anybody out of the actual admin controls anything regarding Florida Football.

Not saying there aren’t big wigs and loud voices, but they have very little to do with the actual decision making process.

If sadgator’s incorrect he’ll acknowledge it, but sadgator is convinced that no person or person(s) is (are) going to force Stricklin to fire Napier this season.

 

[LordofallSocks]

Fuchs is an interim he's not doing shit, so it follows Stricklin ain't doing shit either.

 

[sadgator]

Fuchs is an interim he's not doing shit, so it follows Stricklin ain't doing shit either.

Exactly. 100%.

So all of this discussion about number of games and things he needs to do amounts to nothing more than fan speculation and desire…

sadgator would like to speculate about Emily Ratajkowski sitting on his couch when he gets home from work, but that has as much validity as the “Napier will be fired unless” speculation people are throwing out there…

 

[Gator Fever]

Fuchs is an interim he's not doing shit, so it follows Stricklin ain't doing shit either.

It's why Stricklin survives but the big boosters will make the call on Napier.

 

[sadgator]

It's why Stricklin survives but the big boosters will make the call on Napier.

 

[Gator Fever]

Not looking good for Napier if Lagway is out the next 2 games. I have a bad feeling the defense folds if the offense isn't scoring. Texas and LSU both will roll our defense bad if they aren't 100% motivated. I think the SEC is too much for this Yale walk-on QB.

 

[NavigatorII]

Not looking good for Napier if Lagway is out the next 2 games. I have a bad feeling the defense folds if the offense isn't scoring. Texas and LSU both will roll our defense bad if they aren't 100% motivated. I think the SEC is too much for this Yale walk-on QB.

It is unfathomable why UF has only two scholarship QBs. Spurrier used to have four or five and a walkon or two behind them better than this.

 

[ocalaman]

Proud of the effort tonight. Injuries to a bunch of key players, especially Lagway, ruined our chances tonight. But those kids that were in the game played their tails off. I think Napier has to get credit for keep9ng these guys together and playing hard.

 

[LordofallSocks]

Proud of the effort tonight. Injuries to a bunch of key players, especially Lagway, ruined our chances tonight. But those kids that were in the game played their tails off. I think Napier has to get credit for keep9ng these guys together and playing hard.

He gets no credit and I'll tell you why.

If you can't get up for Florida Georgia, you shouldn't be balling at all. His pedestrian play calling was getting bailed out on pure athleticism.

No mustard and biscuits for you sir.

 

[Gator Fever]

It is unfathomable why UF has only two scholarship QBs. Spurrier used to have four or five and a walkon or two behind them better than this.

We might not win another game if FSU improves some depending on this injury.

 

[NavigatorII]

Proud of the effort tonight. Injuries to a bunch of key players, especially Lagway, ruined our chances tonight. But those kids that were in the game played their tails off. I think Napier has to get credit for keep9ng these guys together and playing hard.

Even so, Slingblade owns not having another QB. That's entirely on him. It just adds to his resume of bad sideline coaching and recruiting in general. This team has played their asses off lately. Reminds me of the Confederate Army after Stonewall Jackson got shot. They kept fighting but knowing they were going to lose.

 

[Gator Fever]

Even so, Slingblade owns not having another QB. That's entirely on him. It just adds to his resume of bad sideline coaching and recruiting in general. This team has played their asses off lately. Reminds me of the Confederate Army after Stonewall Jackson got shot. They kept fighting but knowing they were going to lose.

We have a CSU transfer I think but somehow he is behind a guy that was the scout team QB at Yale last season. If he has played a little Napier might need to put him in there. Could be wrong but without more experience I think this QB will self destruct when we get behind in the next few games.

 

[NavigatorII]

We have a CSU transfer I think but somehow he is behind a guy that was the scout team QB at Yale last season. If he has played a little Napier might need to put him in there. Could be wrong but without more experience I think this QB will self destruct when we get behind in the next few games.

He played like a raw freshman. Not having any game experience, I get that. But I didn't see any flashes of upside in any drive he was in. It was chuck and duck.

 

[Gator Fever]

He played like a raw freshman. Not having any game experience, I get that. But I didn't see any flashes of upside in any drive he was in. It was chuck and duck.

Yep I see the CSU guy played a lot in 2022 for Colorado St. Had a high completion % (72%) but low yardage per pass. Must have played a Mertz style at QB.

 

[Nicktheslick]

Even so, Slingblade owns not having another QB. That's entirely on him. It just adds to his resume of bad sideline coaching and recruiting in general. This team has played their asses off lately. Reminds me of the Confederate Army after Stonewall Jackson got shot. They kept fighting but knowing they were going to lose.

Damn Navi, you were there for that?

 

[NavigatorII]

Damn Navi, you were there for that?

Just missed it. Sad times, but better than the current political climate. I'm still younger than Instagator. 😂

 

[Gator Fever]

Just missed it. Sad times, but better than the current political climate. I'm still younger than Instagator. 😂

@instaGATOR just caught the WW1 draft.

 

[Michi_Gator]

Proud of the effort tonight. Injuries to a bunch of key players, especially Lagway, ruined our chances tonight. But those kids that were in the game played their tails off. I think Napier has to get credit for keep9ng these guys together and playing hard.

We “play hard” and “have a young QB”, feels like I am living Ron Zook all over again. Same excuses.

Here is the problem. It is year three, still no help with play calling. It is year three, we still get substitution penalties in EVERY game. It is year three, our special teams are still woefully terrible, yet no on-field ST coach. It is year three and we have two scholarship QBs. It is recruiting season #4 and we are devoid of talent and have the 51st ranked class with ZERO OL a month from ESD. Its like he is the worst of Zook, Chump, Mac and Mullen all in one, and that is impressive.

The program is mismanaged in far too many ways to see anything changing if he stays. The best thing for this program would be excitement around the “potential” offered by a new coach. Bringing Billy back another year will just make it that much more difficult for the next guy.

 

[46885]

We “play hard” and “have a young QB”, feels like I am living Ron Zook all over again. Same excuses.

Here is the problem. It is year three, still no help with play calling. It is year three, we still get substitution penalties in EVERY game. It is year three, our special teams are still woefully terrible, yet no on-field ST coach. It is year three and we have two scholarship QBs. It is recruiting season #4 and we are devoid of talent and have the 51st ranked class with ZERO OL a month from ESD. Its like he is the worst of Zook, Chump, Mac and Mullen all in one, and that is impressive.

The program is mismanaged in far too many ways to see anything changing if he stays. The best thing for this program would be excitement around the “potential” offered by a new coach. Bringing Billy back another year will just make it that much more difficult for the next guy.

He dropped expectations down so low so fast that whenever they even compete for a little while with teams everyone acts like he's done something wonderful. He absolutely has to go, he will never win. That is a certainty and it's the only one that matters

 

[gatorbuilderorlando]

I'm so sick of the "we didn't quit" and "we played hard" language I hear from everyone around me. Guess what? we should play hard and we shouldn't quit - lmao - the fanbase's expectations are so low that even with 3 turnover we lose by 14...but hey, we played hard.

I just can't with Napier anymore - he's a leaky boat and everytime we think we get one issue fixed, it's something else.

All the while, we're .500 and dropping - but hey, we played hard.

 

[TEBOW TIME]

 

[Michi_Gator]

He dropped expectations down so low so fast that whenever they even compete for a little while with teams everyone acts like he's done something wonderful. He absolutely has to go, he will never win. That is a certainty and it's the only one that matters

It is really amazing that fans have bought into this garbage. After SOS and Urban, people watch our offense and think “this will eventually get us there”. 🤣

 

[gatordad3]

It is really amazing that fans have bought into this garbage. After SOS and Urban, people watch our offense and think “this will eventually get us there”. 🤣

All I saw was Sling Blades inability to adjust to the loss of Lagway.

 

[Countygator1]

This paid for dawg team is not that good. Crazy that all we have is a guy that couldn't even crack the lineup at Yale? Seriously!!

 

[Michi_Gator]

All I saw was Sling Blades inability to adjust to the loss of Lagway.

He is a terrible game day coach. But keep him. Why?

Even with Lagway he is never winning 💩

 

[gatordad3]

This paid for dawg team is not that good. Crazy that all we have is a guy that couldn't even crack the lineup at Yale? Seriously!!

Warner never expected to even sniff the field this season. He was just content with wearing the Gator uniform and earning his degree at UF, like his parents before him.

 

[gatordad3]

If Stricknine were to Fuch up another hire, he could at least pry Rhett Lashlee from SMU. Although not a fan of Lashlee, he's doing things at SMU that we haven't seen since Bobby Collins was the HC before they received the death penalty.

 

[46885]

He is a terrible game day coach. But keep him. Why?

Even with Lagway he is never winning 💩

When you honestly break it down, and look at the state of recruiting right now.. What exactly is he not terrible at? Staff hiring awful, game day decisions by far the worst of them all, development is awful.. teaching the players how to play his favorite word "complimentary" football, awful.. Getting players to learn the very game they play lining up and operational football, total failure all around each week.. and now the ONE thing we hoped he could at least zookify for us, building the roster in recruiting at the very least for the next guy, it's all going to hell quicker every day now.. and everyone is standing in the burning house so numb to the flames at this point they don't even know they're engulfed in flames.

 

[sadgator]

Even so, Slingblade owns not having another QB. That's entirely on him. It just adds to his resume of bad sideline coaching and recruiting in general.

You would think that somebody on our “Army” staff would have prepared for the inevitable situation that Lagway would go down…

No offense to the Lil’ Yale guy, but, c’mon…there are probably some frat house flag guys that could be as confident and accurate as he was…

How could you not be ready for that?!?!?!?