Billy Napier on struggles at FSU this year: 'I have my own issues'

Despite playing Florida State this week, Florida coach Billy Napier can’t worry about the in-house stuff of the Seminoles.

Coming into this one, Florida is 6-5 after upsetting Ole Miss while Florida State is 2-9 going into the final game. It’s been a disastrous season for Mike Norvell and company.

While there’s mutual respect, Napier has to worry about his own landscaping.

“Yeah, I mean, I have my own grass to mow,” Napier said. “My yard is big and it has got a lot of weeds in it, and, you know, I got my own issues. So, you know, I don’t necessarily think it would be right for me to comment on that, because, look, I understand all the things that come with the job. The job’s probably more challenging than it’s ever been. I have a ton of respect for Mike, I mean he’s a good football coach, you know, and I think we’re trying to get the Florida Gators better, you know, that’s my focus.”

Napier looked like a dead man walking, to put it lightly. Many Florida fans were ready to can him and move onto the next head coach, and maybe next AD.

But Napier kept pushing the right buttons and turned the team around in the second half of the season. Maybe the same will happen in 2025 for Florida State since the team is only one year removed from an ACC Championship and 13-1 season.

“I’m gonna tell you something. It’s a blessing to coach,” Napier said as his voice cracked. “Man, what a blessing to be associated with that group of young men. I just have so much respect for what they’ve been through and how they handled it. We’ve got Senior Day, we’ve got some unique leaders in that group. I’m just so happy for our players, our staff. They work so hard.

“Hope and belief are powerful. Somewhere along the way, we figured it out and we started to realize we could play with anybody. God’s been good to me, and I’m very thankful for the opportunity.”

When he looked at the road to the turnaround, Napier gave credit to the players and staff. He knows how the outside noise can change, but that helps grow his love for the game.

“I think it’s confidence in our people, confidence in our process,” Napier said while wiping away a tear. “Look, I learned a long time ago, they love you when you win, they hate you when you lose. For me, there’s something about the game that’s conditional. I think there’s a life out there that’s unconditional. We earned the right to win today. I’m proud of our team.”