Jesse Palmer defends Florida's decision to stick with Billy Napier as coach

The reactions continue to pour in after Florida announced its decision to stick with Billy Napier as head coach. That includes former Gators quarterback Jesse Palmer, who addressed the move while calling Saturday’s game against Texas.

Palmer defended Scott Stricklin’s decision to retain Napier after an up-and-down first three years in Gainesville. He cited the changing landscape in the SEC with multiple big names in line for the NFL Draft and Florida’s young core, led by quarterback DJ Lagway, which will hopefully stick together with the coach returning.

Palmer praised Florida for being patient with Napier as he works on buliding the program again. He also predicted his fourth year would be where things start to come together.

“I think it’s the right move,” Palmer said amid Florida’s 42-0 deficit against Texas in the third quarter. “I think one, it’s obvious this team plays really hard for Billy Napier. You saw it against Tennessee, you saw it against Georgia. You and I and Katie saw it live last year when they went on the road to Missouri against a top-10-ranked Missouri team and almost beat them. But two, I think by bringing back Billy Napier, you almost guarantee true freshmen like DJ Lagway, Jadan Baugh and this group return next season to play in an SEC, Joe, that is going to look a little bit different based on who’s about to get drafted. There will be no Carson Beck next year in Georgia, no Jalen Milroe at Alabama, no Quinn Ewers here at Texas, Jaxson Dart is gone.

“The Gators still have to play Miami next year on the road – no Cam Ward, obviously, in that game, either. You don’t see patience anymore in college football with respect to hiring and firing coaches, certainly not in this league. But I feel like Year 4 for Napier, that could be the year where it finally pays off and they’re able to break through.”

Napier brought a 15-18 record at Florida into Saturday’s game against Texas, which saw the Gators trail 35-0 at halftime. UF is dealing with a slew of injuries, though. Lagway and Montrell Johnson didn’t suit up despite entering as game-time decisions, and Tre Wilson is out for the year after hip surgery. That means Aidan Warner got the start at quarterback against a fierce Texas defense.

But keeping the young group together likely played a role in Florida’s decision to retain Napier. All told, 76 Gators are listed as freshmen, redshirt freshmen, sophomores and redshirt sophomores. Things could start picking up on the recruiting trail, as well, according to On3’s Steve Wiltfong.