Anonymous Coach Says ‘It’s Do-Or-Die Time’ For Major College Football Head Coach
There is no question that Florida head coach Billy Napier enters the 2024 season on the hot seat after back-to-back losing seasons with the Gators.
at his first two seasons at Gainesville, Napier is 11-14, with a 5-7 record the previous year. For the first time since 2017, the Gators did not make it to a bowl game.
Prior to the upcoming season, Athlon Sports requested that SEC coaches discuss their conference opponents in confidence. The upcoming season, in the opinion of one unnamed coach, will be significant for Napier and his future with the Gators.
“This is our last chance,” declared the unidentified coach. “I believe that many coaches admire Billy Napier’s business practices, but the SEC has certain expectations, so you have to adjust your plans to fit that faster tempo.
The Gators will face one of the toughest schedules in the nation, including a Week 1 matchup against in-state rival Miami. Florida will also end the season against five opponents that ranked inside the Top 20 of the AP Poll last season. In total, the Gators will play nine teams that were ranked in the AP Top 25 last season.
Florida will be led by returning quarterback Graham Mertz, who had a solid season for the Gators in 2023. He finished with 2,903 passing yards, 20 passing touchdowns, and only three interceptions. Wide receiver Eugene Wilson III also returns after a breakout freshman season.
The Gators open the 2024 season against Miami on Aug. 31 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
