Florida Athletic Director Scott Stricklin and Quarterback DJ Lagway Discuss Billy Napier's Dismissal
Following the firing of Florida's football coach Billy Napier, AD Scott Stricklin and QB DJ Lagway shared insights into the decision and future expectations for the program.
One day after Florida decided to fire football coach Billy Napier, athletic director Scott Stricklin and star quarterback DJ Lagway addressed the situation. Stricklin discussed the decision to part ways with Napier and the committee’s upcoming coaching search, while Lagway reflected on his future with the program.
Napier, who was hired by Stricklin in November 2021, struggled to find success during his tenure. The 2024 season marked his best performance, ending with an 8-5 record, and he started this season 3-4. The decision to relieve Napier followed a win over Mississippi State.
Stricklin is now preparing for his third coaching hire since he joined Florida in 2016. His previous two selections, namely Dan Mullen and Napier, failed to achieve expected results, adding pressure to find a capable leader to restore the Gators’ competitiveness in the SEC.
Stricklin outlined that while he believed in Napier, coaching decisions are not always straightforward. The offensive struggles under Napier’s leadership were a significant issue, particularly his insistence on calling plays despite poor results. In 2022, for instance, the Gators managed to score only 29.5 points per game, placing them 57th nationally.
Moving ahead, Stricklin anticipates a wide array of candidates for the coaching position. He noted that the quest for a proven championship coach is challenging, emphasizing that the Gators may need someone with potential rather than a decorated resume. He highlighted the timeliness of the change as beneficial for the search process, as early dismissals can lead to thorough evaluations of potential hires.
Finally, Stricklin confirmed his sole responsibility for selecting the next coach, assuring that he will lead the search decisively.
DJ Lagway, having been a key recruiting success for Napier as the top quarterback in the 2024 class, expressed his commitment to the Gators despite the emotional circumstances surrounding Napier’s dismissal. He plans to focus on the remaining games of the season while continuing to improve his game.
