Billy Napier, the Florida Gators’ head coach, is a dead man walking.
Fans understand this. The players are aware of this. And Napier is definitely aware of it following Saturday’s 41-17 loss to rival Miami, which dropped him to 11-15 as head coach of the Gators.
But it appears that Napier is going to get his licks in before leaving. When asked how his club will move forward after the loss, the third-year head coach fired a blow at Florida fans on Monday.
“You gotta go to work on the football part,” Napier started his response. “I believe we need to improve our consistency and execution. If we can focus on those things rather than what some guy in his basement in rural Central Florida is saying on social media, we will have a chance to improve.”
Billy Napier takes a not-so-subtle shot at the #Gators fanbase in his Monday press conference.
This man is so fired. pic.twitter.com/eCExgs2nO8
— InAllKindsOfWeather.com (@AllKindsWeather) September 2, 2024
On the surface, the comment does not appear to be particularly offensive.
Penn State coach James Franklin stated earlier this week that he would like his players to avoid using social media completely throughout the season, but he understands that is unrealistic.
But Napier isn’t in a position to criticize supporters, even if he has a valid argument. In addition to his 11-15 record with the Gators, he is now 0-3 against rivals Miami and Florida State. If he survives until the end of the season, his record has the potential to fall to 0-4.
(Though the Seminoles don’t exactly look like world beaters.)
Unsurprisingly, Florida fans were not pleased with Napier’s statement.
“Dude. “You won’t have a job halfway through the season,” one wrote.
“Napier’s lack of humility and awareness is funny. Making fun of the fans when you’re the worst coach ever isn’t your best move, bro,” commented another.
The remark may have propelled Napier to the top of the “first FBS coach to be fired” rankings.
And at this point, it would most likely be an act of mercy.
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