Billy Napier explains wanting to keep calling plays

There has been a shift among college coaches that is becoming more and more common. Head coaches, whether they specialize in offense or defense, are deciding to give up play calling duties, allowing another staff member to call plays. But unlike some of his contemporaries, Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier isn’t jumping on that wave. Recently, at the SEC Football Media Days, the Gators headman revealed why he does not plan on relinquishing his play-calling duties anytime soon.

“I think it’s a relevant question,” said Napier. “I think it was part of our evaluation this off-season. You know, I think, like most parts of our organization and our process, we will improve in year two. I think it’s something that we’ll continue to evaluate.

“I like having my hand on the scripts, the installation, that process. I think I can help establish our identity and personality as a team through that process. I think if you get too far away from that, I think there could be some things from a sustainable, repeatable part. So I want to continue to do it, and I think each year, much like all parts of what we do, we’ll continue to evaluate.”

Despite many believing the responsibilities of a college football head coach, especially at a program as prominent as Florida, are expanding to the point where play calling is no longer a focal point, Napier is hanging on to those duties as of now. For him, that responsibility goes hand and hand with establishing who you are to your team. And with him in the process of establishing a new culture in the Gators locker room, continuing his play-calling duties could go a long way in aiding that process.

Napier shares unique way he minimizes errors as coach

At this year’s SEC Football Media Days, On3’s Andy Staples did a few live shows of his  Andy Staples On3 Podcast. During one of the shows, he had on Napier as a guest. As the two discussed ongoing storylines surrounding the Gators program, it was revealed that Napier has a unique way of minimizing errors as a coach. According to the Florida headman, he likes to take detailed notes and store them away for later use.

“Yeah, I mean, just creates consistency, and then you minimize error. I think half the battle here is just don’t make the same mistake twice. So, it’s one of the ways that we improve our process; quality control everything that we do right and then. It’s a ton of research behind this. And then you go back to that, and then you prepare when you encounter that next time. Over time, it adds up. All parts of the organization, we challenge them to take the same approach,” said Napier.

“I’m trying to get better, right? And I think, ultimately, you gotta learn from the past.”