,

Reports: Florida fires coach Billy Napier


Florida has fired head coach Billy Napier in the midst of his fourth season in Gainesville, multiple media outlets reported on Sunday.

Napier, 46, posted a 22-23 record during his time with the Gators.

Per the Orlando Sentinel, longtime receivers coach Billy Gonzales is expected to serve as the team’s interim coach. Florida (3-4, 2-2 Southeastern Conference) will return from its bye to face rival Georgia on Nov. 1 in Jacksonville, Fla.

Napier’s last game was a win, as the Gators seized a 23-21 victory against Mississippi State on Saturday.

Florida entered the season ranked No. 15 before losses to South Florida, LSU, Miami and Texas A&M. The last three on that list were all ranked in the top 10 at the time.

Napier already was on the hot seat after compiling a 19-19 record in his first three seasons at Florida.

He has a 62-35 overall coaching record after posting a 40-12 mark with Louisiana (2018-21).