Napier defends job status: Florida on schedule given 'what we inherited'
Head coach Billy Napier remains confident that Florida is on a path toward success despite recording back-to-back losing seasons in his first two years at the helm.
"Change doesn't happen overnight. I think, ultimately, timing is everything, right?" Napier said Wednesday, according to The Athletic's Seth Emerson. "When we took the job, what we inherited, the work that needed to be done, we're on schedule to some degree."
"I think maybe what you hear on the outside is not necessarily what it's like on the inside," Napier added, per ESPN's Chris Low. "We're anxious to get out there and play. This is the best team we've had since we've been there."
Florida has assembled an 11-14 record in Napier's first two seasons. The 44-year-old produced a 40-12 record at Louisiana from 2018-21 prior to joining Florida in November 2021. The Gators finished with 5-7 last year, which ended the school's consecutive bowl streak at five.
The program has hired four head coaches since 2011, but Napier remains steadfast that his team is finally ready to break through in Year 3.
"For the first time, we've got some stability. The roster has stabilized. We've got competitive depth. There's incredible leadership at the player level," Napier said, per Emerson.
With 17 starters returning and a roster that accounted for 41,000 snaps, there's optimism that experience will be a strength for Florida. Napier's players aren't letting outside noise about the head coach's job status impact their preparation.
"It's just chatter. ... We can focus on what people are saying, or we can focus on what we are doing," quarterback Graham Mertz said, per On Texas Football's CJ Vogel.
Florida has added more experience to the roster this offseason by turning to the transfer portal. Former Colorado cornerback Cormani McClain and Arizona State receiver Elijhah Badger are among several transfers expected to contribute immediately.
Florida will be forced to endure what is considered the most challenging schedule in the country. The Gators face a road slate that features matchups against Texas, Florida State, Tennessee, and Mississippi State. Florida will also square off with bitter rival Georgia at a neutral site and play home games against LSU, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M.
Its season begins Aug. 31 against in-state rival Miami.