Florida Football: 3 reasons for concern heading into 2022 season

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Florida Gators head football coach Billy Napier talks with the media during a weekly press conference at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, in Gainesville, Feb. 11, 2022. Napier was asked about coaching hires, recruiting, his team preparation plans and also mentioned the Gators will begin Spring practice March 15.Flgai 02112022 Napierufpresser 01 /

1. Billy Napier has never been a Power Five head coach

I get the Billy Napier hype. He was one of the best coaches in the Group of Five for years, going 40-12 in four seasons with Louisiana. He ended his career with a 22-2 record over his final two years, winning back-to-back conference titles.

Now Napier takes over a big-time SEC program with titles as an expectation with zero prior Power Five head coaching experience. That’s concerning.

It may all work out and I believe Napier will be a solid head coach, but there are going to be growing pains much like Mike Norvell has had at Florida State.

An entirely new coaching staff with a new scheme, bringing in a new culture from the Group of Five has to be concerning for those fans hoping for a quick fix. It’s not going to be quick and there will be growing pains, but the talent could help him out here. The roster is not bare.

Will we see Napier improve Florida from where it was a year ago or will he have a Norvell-like slow start to his Power Five head coaching career?

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