DJ Lagway may determine Billy Napier's fate at Florida.
When it comes to coaches on the hot seat in 2025, no name tops the list more than Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier.
Now entering his fourth season in Gainesville, Napier is firmly in "prove-it" territory. Last year marked his first winning campaign with the Gators, finishing 8-5 while navigating what was arguably the toughest schedule in the country.
This season? The schedule looks just as brutal—if not worse.
Napier's best hope for survival is quarterback DJ Lagway. That is, if he can stay on the field.
The former four-star has recently been spotted in a walking boot due to a leg injury, raising major concerns about his availability. It’s an unsettling development, especially given Lagway’s recent injury history. For Napier, it’s potentially devastating.
“Considering Lagway is perhaps the most important individual player to a coach in the country, that’s bad news for head coach Billy Napier,” On3’s Ari Wasserman wrote. “Napier was almost fired in the middle of last season, but the Gators turned it around in the back half of the year because of Lagway’s play. Now Florida has a chance to be much better, but Napier has to win this year — whether Lagway stays healthy or not. Napier is 19-19 through three seasons in Gainesville. Lagway, who has been injured often during his time at Florida, may hold Napier’s future in his hands.”
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Napier pulled off a bit of a miracle last season, keeping Florida afloat even as both Lagway and original starter Graham Mertz dealt with injuries. But if Lagway misses significant time again, it could be the end for Napier.
According to CBS Sports’ Brandon Marcello, Florida’s September slate could dictate everything.
“Back-to-back September road trips to LSU and Miami may define the season. Billy Napier needs to get Florida back to that nine- or 10-win mark, even against this schedule, to remain relevant,” Marcello wrote. “The three-game stretch with LSU, Miami and Texas (after a bye week) will likely determine whether Napier is still the coach in 2026. Trips to Texas A&M and Ole Miss are also on the docket before closing the season at home against Tennessee and Florida State.”
The pressure is on Napier to bring the Gators back to national prominence. But no coach in the country may face a tougher road to saving his job, especially if his $3.7 million quarterback is barely on the field.
Category: General Sports
