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Florida Football: 3 way-too-early reasons to be excited about 2022

By Connor Muldowney

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 05: Head Coach Billy Napier of the Florida Gators speaks during a press conference introducing him to the Media at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on December 05, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 05: Head Coach Billy Napier of the Florida Gators speaks during a press conference introducing him to the Media at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on December 05, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /
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New Gator Head Coach Billy Napier was on the sideline for interviews during the first half. The Gators lead 10-9 over the Central Florida Knights at the half in the Gasparilla Bowl Thursday, December 23, 2021, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star-Banner]2021Oca 122324 Ufvsucfgasbowl
New Gator Head Coach Billy Napier was on the sideline for interviews during the first half. The Gators lead 10-9 over the Central Florida Knights at the half in the Gasparilla Bowl Thursday, December 23, 2021, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star-Banner]2021Oca 122324 Ufvsucfgasbowl /

1. Billy Napier is coming

Billy Napier could have taken other coaching jobs in years past; he even said so during the Gasparilla Bowl as he was in attendance and was interviewed by ESPN. His reason for not taking other jobs before the Florida one was because he felt like there was “unfinished business” at Louisiana and after winning the Sun Belt title in 2020 and 2021, it was time.

The process was complete as he led the Ragin’ Cajuns to a 13-1 record and a second straight title, winning the New Orleans Bowl along the way. Plus, Florida was just a good fit.

The Tennessee native spent time coaching in the SEC at Alabama in 2011 as an analyst and also from 2013-16 as a receivers coach. He’s learned under Nick Saban and he took that knowledge and led Louisiana to a 41-12 record over four years.

Now he gets to take that knowledge and recruiting expertise back to the SEC at Florida and he’s just the latest Saban disciple to earn a Power Five job. And this one feels like a lock to succeed.

Don’t be surprised when Napier recruits at a high level and has immediate success in Gainesville. The new coaching staff is going to breathe life into the program and provide a much-needed spark.

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