After the Florida Gators’ Week 10 loss to Georgia, head coach Billy Napier finds his future in Gainesville uncertain. With the Gators at a disappointing 4-4 record and Napier standing at 15-18 since his 2022 start, calls for his replacement have intensified. Entering the season on the hot seat, Napier faced escalating pressure after starting 1-2, including a significant loss to Miami and a double-digit defeat by Texas A&M. Although wins against UCF, Mississippi State, and a close overtime loss to Tennessee helped his case, and the team’s hard-fought game against Georgia earned some respect, a 4-4 record remains lackluster for a program with championship expectations.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel has suggested that Florida is expected to part ways with Napier unless he can make a strong comeback by season’s end. However, removing him would be costly—Napier’s buyout stands at over $26 million, making it one of the most expensive in college football history. If Florida decides to make a change, Thamel notes that they may target a high-profile coach to replace him.
One candidate mentioned by Thamel is Penn State’s James Franklin, who has led the Nittany Lions since 2014. Despite a solid 95-40 record at Penn State, Franklin’s teams have consistently struggled against top-ranked opponents, evidenced by his recent 20-13 home loss to Ohio State. He holds a disappointing 1-9 record against top-five teams and is 1-10 against Ohio State. While Penn State currently holds a strong 7-1 record, ranked No. 6 in the AP Top 25, another playoff setback or failure to make a deeper impact could prompt Franklin to consider new opportunities.
If Franklin were interested in leaving, the financial hurdle would be significant—his buyout exceeds $56 million, making a dismissal unlikely for Penn State. However, Thamel speculates that Franklin might be intrigued by a chance to return to the SEC, where his competitive spirit and recruiting abilities could make a big impact. If Florida’s head coaching role opens up, the job might appeal to Franklin as a fresh start, especially given Penn State fans’ frustration with his struggles in high-stakes games. The situation parallels Georgia’s choice to replace long-time coach Mark Richt, who delivered consistent wins but couldn’t reach the highest level.
Timing could affect Florida’s coaching search if they pursue Franklin or other candidates like Lane Kiffin, Iowa State’s Matt Campbell, or Kansas State’s Chris Klieman, especially if those coaches are involved in potential College Football Playoff runs. However, if the Gators approach Franklin, he may see the opportunity as the perfect next step.
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