Billy Napier hides how much interest he, LSU shared

Florida head coach Billy Napier is familiar with the state of Louisiana, as he coached at Louisiana-Lafayette for four seasons before accepting his current head coaching job with the Gators. During Napier’s exit from Louisiana, there were rumors that he could be a potential candidate for LSU coaching job that was open at the time but ultimately filled by Brian Kelly. Ahead of the Gators matchup this weekend with LSU, Napier was asked if he had any interaction with the Tigers during their head coaching search this offseason.

“I don’t know that that’s something that you talk publicly about, I think we’re all well aware of chaotic times in college football when you get to November, December, January,” Napier said.

It was clear this was a can of worms that Napier did not want to open, as he focused on his journey to becoming Florida’s 28th head coach in school history.

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“I’ll tell you what I would say is I’m very thankful for the opportunity that I was given here, for the administration here, for Scott (Stricklin) and all the people that contributed to that decision to have faith and confidence, do their homework on me, give me an opportunity to lead here,” Napier said. “I can’t imagine being at a much better place.”

At the moment the Gators are happy they made the decision as well, as Napier has led the Gators to a 4-2 record thus far with a team that looks like they’re bringing a new level of competitiveness to the table week in and week out. Napier spoke more on his process to landing in Gainesville and what it means to him to be their head coach.

“We were very patient and this path was right, that’s what I would say. There’s not a day that I’ve woke up and said am I at the right place or not, I’ve got conviction about that. And the more I’m here, every day I’m here, the more I’m confident about what we can accomplish here. So it’s a blessing to be at the University of Florida and represent such a great place,” Napier said.

Napier turned a 4-7 Ragin Cajuns team into a two-time conference champion in just four years in the Sun Belt conference. The Gators are certainly hoping for similar results for themselves with Napier at the helm, and his confidence and the recent play of the team are promising short-term signs for the time being.