Billy Napier?

That is the Florida "Gators" new head coach, apparently. Whew, I don't know about that. From the Sunbelt to the SEC, from Lafayette, Louisiana to Gainesville, Florida. He's a southern boy, he's got that going for him. Pre-season Napier was the subject of fawning profiles. Then the "Rajin' Cajuns" played their first game, a 38-18 beat down at Texas. Some people thought Louisiana-Lafayette would win that game! Only game they lost, 11-1, damn sweet, undeniably. The rest of their opponents this season:

-Nicholls

-Ohio

-Georgia Southern

-South Alabama

-Appalachian State

-Arkansas State

-Texas State

-Georgia State

-Troy

-Liberty

-Louisiana-Monroe

Okay! Not exactly preparation for the SEC East.  He'll be coaching against Georgia minus the Southern, Alabama minus the South, and occasionally Arkansas minus the State and Texas minus the State.

Napier is 42 years old and has been head man at only Louisiana-Lafayette, where he does have a bling resume, 7-7, 11-3, 10-1, 11-1. Obviously an excellent coach, it's just a humongous step up. Can he recruit, the sine qua non of college coaching? How would we know? This hire says to me "lack of ambition" by Florida. Or maybe “best we could do”. The FU job just may not be able to attract a latter day Steve Spurrier or Urban Meyer any more. A Twitter site with obvious close ties to UCF tweeted a subtly snarky comment that nonetheless has too much truth in it:

@UCFKnightsNatn

Billy Napier to the Gators is a really good hire, and probably the best they could get considering their fan base and boosters. Sorry Coach Napier, but the clock is ticking starting now. Better start winning immediately...

5:30 PM · Nov 28, 2021·Twitter Web App

“Gators” fans ran off Spurrier. The day Ron Zook was hired a #FireRonZook site went up. The Napier hire does feel like “the best they could get,” rather than the best, period, money no object (but beware of boosters).

Scott Stricklin, FU AD, is obviously thinking "Urban Meyer" Repeat. Two very good years at Bowling Green of the MAC, two excellent years at Utah of the then WAC. But man the Sunbelt ain't no WAC 2004. The "Utes" went to the Fiesta Bowl; L-L has been to the Cure, Lending Tree, and First Responder. I think you need a step between the Sunbelt and the SEC, like Meyer's step to the WAC. 

I was wondering what USC and LSU were going to do now that James Franklin and Mel Tucker are off the list. Why didn't LSU hire Napier?...Right down the road. I don't know, I wish him the best, hope this turns into the Second Coming for Florida, I'm just nonplussed.