Gator Nation erupts after Florida fires Billy Napier following a win

The decision many Gator fans around the world had been waiting to happen since Florida’s embarrassing week two loss to USF finally occurred on Sunday. Around 12pm, it was reported that the Gators called a 1:00PM EST coaches’ meeting, followed by an unscheduled, last-minute mandatory full-team meeting.

Staff who don’t usually work were called in to work. When the doors to the team meeting rooms closed, all eyes were on Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. It was then officially announced shortly after 2:00 PM that the Gators had made a change in leadership and that head coach Billy Napier had been relieved of his role as head coach.

As expected, social media immediately erupted, with mixed responses from Napier haters and some positive, emotional responses from supporters, including current Florida Gator players.

NEGATIVE REACTIONS

As expected, many Gator fans are reacting in celebration of Billy Napier getting let go by the Gators. One InsideSwamp contributor shared a video of a Gator fan dancing, describing it as how "All Florida Gator fans are feeling after Napier was fired."

Barstool Sports shared a video of Billy Napier struggling to open a water bottle, calling it a "sign" that things wouldn't be good.

Other fans kept their comments simple by just saying, "Bye Billy Napier," with excitment in the tone of their text.

One fan on X used an image of chains breaking describing the Gators as being "let loose" from Napier.

One site was celebrating by saying, Billy Napier is off my team!"

One fan described Florida as winning twice this weekend - once when they beat Mississippi State and the second win being the firing of Billy Napier.

POSITIVE REACTIONS

On the other side of the ball, or the internet in this case, are reactions from players and personnel. While fans celebrated the canning of Napier and the ending of the Napier era, players and personnel began processing the loss of a fellow staff member, coach, and colleague.

Alyssa Britton-Harr, a Gator sports reporter for the University College of Journalism and Communications reacted in support of Napier: “Despite the current situation, Billy Napier will always be respected for the man he is. Covering the team the last three years, he cares deeply for the players and the coaching staff beyond the game of football.”

This statement was echoed by many former and current Gators who took to X to respond to losing their head coach and boss:

Gator Alumni and staff member, Brandon Spikes showed his support of Napier: “When other coaches might’ve been intimidated to have me around, @coach_bnapier brought me back and gave me a role in this program. He believed in me and created a way for me to give back to Gator Nation and @GatorsFB. I will always appreciate his support and encouragement. Thank You BN!”

Jeramiah McCloud thanked Coach Napier.

Offensive lineman Mark Faircloth thanked Coach Napier and described the privilege it was to play for Napier.

Vernell "Trey" Brown III thanked Coach Napier and shared a photo of Gator walk led by Napier.

And so did Myles Graham and many other players.

Tight end Hayden Hansen described the emotions:

While many fans didn’t like Napier, the reactions from the players prove he was a well-respected coach who cared about the players. He might have had his flaws and changes may have needed to be made, but at the end of the day, he is a husband, father, coach, and mentor. And many are wishing him all the best despite the situation.

With Napier’s Sunday firing, the search for the next Florida Gators’ head coach starts now.