Billy is busting his ass and clearly improving the program, but father time slows for no man. Either he starts getting results soon, or someone else will inherit a much better program than he inherited, and he is well aware of this. I hope he turns this thing around, as he seems to have the mental fortitude to keep a program at a high level for a long time.
I agree that NIL and the transfer portal have dealt a blow to college football. I also agree that we've had three bad seasons in a row. But, only two of those were under the current head coach, the talent level and assistant coaching state on this team are improving, and we've signed the QB of the future. I choose to maintain some optimism about the coming seasons.
This year may be his last if significant improvement is not realized. Although, there may be a caveat: injuries, especially to Mertz, could affect BN not leaving. If BN has a bad year (6 wins or less), yes, I think he is fired! The next coach inherits a dumpster fire, as Lagway and many others will hit the portal. Therefore, the rebuild will start completely over, and Gator Nation will have reason to beotch. 2025 recruiting will be devastated, and it will take years to restore recruiting--which means FSU and Miami will get the cream of the crop!!! Clearly, some of those who want BN to go in the worse way, would really have reason to whine!!!
Pressure can be a good thing. Some elevate under pressure and some fold under pressure, but if you're going to be the coach at UF you have to elevate under pressure and have fun. The more Spurrier was under pressure the more insults and barbs he would throw, and he would have fun with it, and backed it up by elevating his coaching and winning.
It seems to me to all those who aren't interested in what CBN has to say, simple solution would be to not watch his videos .. And why even post on this thread? IMO, CBN confirmed what I was thinking about this team. Better and deeper roster, better Assistant coaching with emphasis on fundamentals, program as a whole in a much better place. How this all translates into wins/losses is the ultimate question. I'm going into the season thinking we will surprise some people, but I will concede no guarantees on us being better, but that's what i believe. I
Your points are spot on, and anyone who gives your post bacon just doesn’t want to acknowledge the reality of this situation. Firing Napier within the next 2 years would be the height of stupidity, and we would deserve the dumpster fire that would follow
So Napier is supposed to deal with this pressure just as Spurrier would have - even though SOS was never in this situation? This might be the dumbest post of the week
There’s also a bit of revisionist history going on there. The longer Spurs stayed, the higher the pressure and expectations climbed. Those eventually lead to his voluntary departure from the program. Ours fans stopped appreciating having a really good team if a title wasn’t involved.
Bingo! People want to believe SOS left to scratch the NFL itch. Revisionist history is right — he left because he was pissed at Foley for not backing him up vs. dirty ass Bowden and Andrews at ref$u, and his ever-increasing displeasure with our entitled fan base.
My takeaway: year 3= no excuses means he had excuses for years 1 and 2. I think this was Napiers problem. How about - yes we are behind in program aspects, but no excuses…year1/2?
With the portal Im not sure it matters what year you fire your coach in a rebuild anymore. Youre going to take a hit no matter what as the team and recruits transition to a new staff because they dont gel with or want to wait for the new coach to turn it around. I think it more depends on who you bring in as that new coach. If you get a big name hire who brings big expectations to the program you may find you can keep most of your talent and possibly bring in more athletes who see it as a program on a quick rise with the pieces already there. There are coaches out there who wouldnt miss a beat in that transition but theyre going to cost you a bunch.
You can say what you want about the results, but, I don't think I've heard Napier be one to make statements that were based in excuses... in year 1, 2, or 3 for that matter.
IMHO, I think Billy Napier is the coach for Florida! Whether we like his style or not, the Gators benefit from BN being successful! No, he's not a big name yet, but I see him as a great recruiter and developer of culture. Yes, he has weaknesses, but his strengths outweigh them. For the most part, he has a balanced offense. He needs elevated play from the offense, defense, and ST. Clearly, we are still rebuilding, as we are not there yet. I would not be surprised if he promotes someone to OC or hires an OC. In time, he has to hire an ST coach, if ST mistakes continue, don't you think?
He said this is the first year they weren't managing a problem or something to that effect. The detractors will call that a veiled excuse for the first two years. I'm no sunshine pumper but I think it's obvious there is truth to that statement. Again, some self inflicted but some issues were not and clearly hindered any positive momentum we could have made. I'm looking forward to year 3 especially given his comments. I agree with the put up or shut up crowd but his comments going into year 3 are refreshing to hear.
TBH, I hope CBN realizes that this year he'll have to manage his biggest problem yet: if he puts up another 5-7 stinker he might be gone - and if the team looks bad while doing it he'll probably be gone.
@Crusher There are four separate sentences and points in that post, with which one are you disagreeing?