Florida's Napier envisions 'path to a 4th' season despite 1-2 start

Despite starting the season 1-2, Florida head coach Billy Napier isn't feeling too uncomfortable on the hot seat.

Napier said he believes there's a "path to a fourth year," according to Swamp 247's Graham Hall.

However, Napier added that he hasn't had any discussions with the school's athletic department regarding his job status.

Napier's comments come after the Gators fell to 1-2 after Saturday's loss to Texas A&M. It's the first time in 32 years that Florida has posted a losing record after three games. The team's 27.3 points per game are the second fewest in the SEC, behind only Kentucky.

"I do think we're frustrated with the production to this point, but I do think there's a lot of football left to play," Napier said.

Napier hasn't recorded a winning season with Florida, producing a 12-16 mark and a 6-11 SEC record during his tenure. Yet school officials denied that a succession plan is in place and that they've reached out to boosters in case they fire Napier, according to the Gainesville Sun's David Whitley.

The Gators would owe Napier close to $26 million if they dismissed the head coach during or after the 2024 season, per CBS Sports' Brad Crawford. Florida would owe him half of that amount within 30 days of dismissal.

Napier signed a deal in 2021 that's worth $51.8 million and runs through the 2028 season.

Florida will hit the road for its upcoming game against Mississippi State on Saturday.