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Billy Napier named Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week

Untitled designby:Nick de la Torre•09/06/22•

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Gators coach Billy Napier. (UAA Communications)

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — It was quite the debut for the No. 12 Florida Gators and head coach Billy Napier. Florida’s 29-26 win over Utah was an instant classic and Napier was named The Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week for his team’s performance.

The Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week award honors a football coach who led his team to a significant victory during the previous week, while also embodying the award’s three pillars of scholarship, leadership, and integrity.

“This was a tremendous win by Coach Napier and his football team to open their 2022 season,” said Jim Terry, chairman of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation. “Leadership and preparation are critical in every game, but even more so when you enter as an underdog in your home stadium. This was the kind of game Coach Dodd would have loved to prepare for, getting his players focused on the task and finding a way to upset a favored opponent.”

Off the field, Napier implemented a program called GatorMade. It is a player-focused and hands-on initiative that aims to develop his players for their lives at Florida and beyond. This past summer, 16 Gators student-athletes made a trip to Athens, Greece to serve those less fortunate and give helping hands to “The Smile of the Child” organization.

A second group of student-athletes took a trip to Atlanta over their spring breaks, to meet with the Atlanta Gator Club, and discuss opportunities to give back to the surrounding communities and for potential opportunities after their playing careers.

“Coach Napier has already implemented a new philosophy and culture at the University of Florida, centered around off-field programs that will set up his players for life after football,” said Gary Stokan, CEO and President of Peach Bowl, Inc. “With his first win under his belt, Coach Napier seems poised to put the Gators back in contention in the SEC.”

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