According To Report, Florida Gators Closing In On New Head Coach
It hasn't been a week since Dan Mullen was let go as head coach of the Florida Gators, but according to a report, a new head coach could be named soon.
As we mentioned earlier in the week, Florida representatives were in contact with Billy Napier after the South Carolina loss, gauging his interest in the potential opening. Now it is starting to sound like the Gators are trying to wrap things up with the Louisiana coach. In an update on Thursday, Swamp247 mentioned "all indications are this will be wrapped up sooner than later," in regard to contract negotiations.
But the future does remain a bit uncertain for Napier, who is preparing his team for their Sun Belt conference finale against UL Monroe (4pm ET) on Saturday. ULL will host Appalachian State next weekend for the Sun Belt Championship.
After practice on Wednesday night, Napier was asked about the job openings around the country and his name being mentioned for these positions.
“There is no decision yet,” Napier said.
Florida isn't the only school to be courting Napier, as multiple sources tell me Virginia Tech has made a run at the head coach. Napier has had his name connected to multiple SEC jobs over the past few years, which include Auburn, South Carolina and Mississippi State.
In a report on Friday, FootballScoop did mention that Napier was sitting atop Florida AD Scott Stricklin's list, but this would just be further confirmation of earlier reporting.
We will see whether Florida can bring this in for a landing, as other candidates are still eyeing the job at the moment, as long as it's still open.