He did not win enough games to justify a vote of confidence. Instead, Billy Napier did something with an even greater degree of difficulty: He held on to his dignity. Faced with mounting losses, injuries at quarterback, criticism and speculation about his impending doom, Napier never wavered.
He did not make excuses, he did not lash out at fans or media and he did not lose the respect of the players in the Gator locker room. He maintained a grace, humility and focus that is rare in a field filled with bullies and narcissists. And that’s why Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin announced Thursday that Napier is sticking around Gainesville.
(It might also have something to do with the buyout that’s a little more than $25 million that Napier would receive if he is fired, but I’m enough of a romantic to lean hard into the dignity defense.) Surely, there will be people who quibble with the timing of Stricklin’s unsolicited statement. Why do it now, you might ask? What happens if the Gators get crushed by No.
5 Texas on Saturday and go on to lose their final four games of the season? Yeah, that’s exactly why you release the statement now. Stricklin has effectively shut down the speculation before it gets out of control, while simultaneously sending a message to recruits that Napier is not going to be kicked to the curb after they commit. It’s a bold move.
A year from now, it might even be considered a colossal mistake. After all, Napier’s record at Florida sugges.