(BCSNN) — Florida has parted ways with head football coach Billy Napier after a 3–4 start to the 2025 season, ending a four-year tenure marked by inconsistency and unmet expectations. Wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season, which includes upcoming rivalry matchups against Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida State.

"Today I met with Coach Napier and informed him that a change in leadership of our football program would best serve the interests of the University of Florida.

On behalf of Gator Nation, I want to sincerely thank Billy and his family for their tireless commitment to the Florida Gators. Billy built a tremendous culture of accountability and growth among the young men he led each day. His organized and detailed approach had a meaningful impact across all levels of our program.

As Coach Napier has often said, this is a results-driven business, and while his influence was positive, it ultimately did not translate into the level of success we expect on the field."

 

- Florida Athletic Director Scott Stricklin

Napier compiled a 22–23 record since taking over in November 2021, finishing with a .489 winning percentage—the program’s lowest since 1949. Despite a brief win streak last season and a 23–21 victory over Mississippi State on Saturday, fan frustration reached a boiling point, with chants of “Fire Billy!” echoing through Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Sources indicate the decision to move on was made prior to the game’s outcome.

The Gators sealed Saturday’s win with a late interception in their own territory, denying Mississippi State a potential game-winning field goal. But the result did little to change the trajectory of Napier’s tenure, which never fully gained momentum despite high hopes and a $7.4 million annual contract. His buyout totals $19.38 million, half of which must be paid within 30 days.

Florida now begins a pivotal transition under Gonzales, who inherits a team still searching for stability in the SEC. The university will launch a nationwide search for its next head coach as the Gators aim to reset the program’s direction heading into the final stretch of the season.