The Florida Gators are now in their third season under head coach Billy Napier, but with a 1-2 start to the year, things aren’t looking promising. Many fans have grown increasingly critical of Napier, especially following a recent loss to the Texas A&M Aggies. Some have even called for his dismissal, leaving questions about when or if that will happen.
In the wake of these struggles, potential replacements for Napier have started circulating among fans and media alike. Some have mentioned big names like former Alabama coach Nick Saban or ex-Gators coach Urban Meyer, though these are long-shot suggestions. On ESPN’s College Gameday podcast, other names surfaced, including Lane Kiffin, James Franklin, Eli Drinkwitz, Matt Campbell, Matt Rhule, and Mike Gundy.
Lane Kiffin, head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels, seems like a logical option given his success. Currently leading Ole Miss to a top-five ranking, Kiffin has proven he can handle a high-pressure role, but would he be willing to leave the relatively lower expectations at Ole Miss for the intense scrutiny that comes with coaching Florida?
The most intriguing candidate, however, might be Penn State’s James Franklin. Franklin has SEC experience from his time with Vanderbilt and has built an impressive resume at Penn State, amassing a 90-39 record over his ten-year tenure. Some speculate that, should Penn State fall short of the playoffs this season, Franklin might look for a fresh challenge, making him a viable candidate to take over at Florida.
Given his success in recruiting and coaching at a high level, Franklin could be just what the Gators need to revitalize their program. With fan pressure mounting on Napier, Florida’s future may hinge on finding the right replacement if a change is indeed made after the 2024 season.
