Florida’s stunning 18-16 home loss to South Florida on Saturday has reignited speculation about Billy Napier’s future in Gainesville and the buyout clause fourth-year head coach.
Entering the game, the Gators were heavy 18.5-point favorites, but the Bulls took care of business late with a walk-off field goal. The defeat marked USF’s first road win over a ranked team since 2011.
The Gators faithful were even chanting "Fire Billy" as they filed out of The Swamp.
“Fire Billy” chants have broken out at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium after UF falls to USF, 18-16. pic.twitter.com/4OaNw1NWKf
— Riley Orovitz (@rileyorovitz) September 7, 2025
As for Florida, this was the program’s most embarrassing non-SEC loss in more than a decade. Napier sits at 20-20 in his tenure and has came into 2025 under pressure despite an 8-5 record against one of the nation’s toughest schedules last season.
Some were optimistic with how DJ Lagway would conduct the offense but the setback to USF has quickly set the scene. what would it cost to move on from Napier?
According to CBS Sports, Napier’s buyout is set at 85% of his remaining deal. After this season, that figure would total approximately $19.38 million. But it's Important to note, Florida would be required to pay half of that sum, about $9.7 million, within 30 days of a termination. His deal goes through 2028. Unlike some coaching contracts, Napier’s buyout includes no offset clause, meaning Florida would owe the full amount regardless of whether he finds another job.
That financial hurdle is significant, particularly in an era when schools are already stretching athletic budgets. If history provides a cautionary parallel about this, Florida’s 2013 home loss to Georgia Southern and the 2021 South Carolina defeat spelled the beginning of the end for Will Muschamp and Dan Mullen, respectively.
The Gators’ schedule offers little breathing room either. LSU, Miami, Texas, and Texas A&M on docket. To avoid becoming the latest Florida coach to exit amid mounting frustration, Napier will need to deliver immediate results. Otherwise, the school may decide it's time for a change.
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