Florida coach Billy Napier is due a hefty buyout if he’s fired during or after the 2024 season.
The Gators are 1-2 after losing to Texas A&M, 33-20, at home on Sept. 14.
Napier, widely presumed to be on the SEC’s hottest seat this fall outside of Sam Pittman at Arkansas, is signed through the 2028 season on a deal he first inked in December 2021 worth $51.8 million. Napier received $7.1 million during his first season and saw an increase of $100,000 last fall amid a 6-7 finish.
Parting ways with Napier early would come with a hefty price tag for the Gators. His buyout for the 2024 season checks in at a whopping $26.7 million, good for 85% of his salary for each year remaining on his contract.
Napier, who emerged as a hot name on the coaching carousel after his work at Louisiana, hasn’t led Florida to a winning season yet, but has the backing of athletic director Scott Stricklin. Napier is 11-15.
The University of Florida does not have a president at the moment after Ben Sasse resigned in July.
If Napier’s fired before the end of his contract, language within the deal suggest Florida would owe him 50% of the total money owed within 30 days of termination.
$26 million buyout and no President,” CBS Sports’ Aaron Taylor said Saturday, pointing out why Napier could see one more season in Gainesville.
