T.J. Searcy, Bryce Lovett support decision to keep Billy Napier: 'We're going to get right soon'

Florida edge T.J. Searcy was among those happy to see UF athletics director Scott Stricklin give Gators coach Billy Napier a public vote of confidence last week.

“I was very excited when I heard it,” Searcy said. “You know, I was a part of one of his first recruiting classes to come in. I see the vision that he has for the program and I know that we definitely could get there.”

Napier is 15–19 in three seasons at Florida and 4-5 this year. But internally, there is a belief with a young core of talent, which includes quarterback DJ Lagway, the Gators might be headed in the right direction. Last Thursday, Stricklin wrote this in a note to Gator Nation:

Scott Stricklin suggested UF is moving in the right direction

I wanted to let you know that Billy Napier will continue as head football coach of the Florida Gators.
 
As we’ve seen these past several weeks, the young men on this team represent what it means to be a Gator. Their resolve, effort and execution are evident in their performance and growth each week – building a foundation that promises greater success next season and beyond.
 
UF’s commitment to excellence and a championship-caliber program is unwavering. In these times of change across college athletics, we are dedicated to a disciplined, stable approach that is focused on long-term, sustained success for Gator athletes, recruits and fans.
 
I am confident that Billy will meet the challenges and opportunities ahead. We will work alongside him to support any changes needed to elevate Gator football. As college athletics evolves, UF is committed to embracing innovation and strategy, ensuring the Gators thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
 
Gator Nation has remained strong, showing up game after game to stand with our team. This loyalty creates an incredible environment that inspires our players to compete with heart and determination. Now, I call on all of Gator Nation to continue standing behind Billy and his dedicated team while we work together to build a championship program.

The decision to keep Billy Napier drew mixed reactions

The development was national news and drew a wide range of reaction from Florida fans and beyond. Some positive. Some negative. Since then, multiple Gators players have been interviewed, first following Saturday’s 49-17 loss to Texas and again during the program’s game-week media session Monday.

“I am a player that committed to his staff and (I’ve) really seen that culture he brings to the program and what he’s built and what he is continuing to build,” Gators offensive lineman Bryce Lovett said. “I think he’s being noticed by athletic director Scott Stricklin and everybody else.  I feel like it’s something he deserves on top of something he’s earned.”

Players say Billy Napier has built a strong culture and winning will come

Lovett spoke more about the program’s culture and his belief the Gators will soon turn the corner.

“One of the main things I liked when I was a recruit was it’s very family oriented, one big family. He’s just continuing to build that and get closer and closer,” Lovett said. “We work really hard, and I think that kind of ties in the family and everybody being so close. It’s like — I don’t want to say it’s like something I’ve never seen before, but never been on a team where it’s been this tight. I feel like that’s something he brought to the team. … I would say, just stick with us. We’re putting in the work. We’re working hard. We’re going to do our best to finish out the season strong.”

Added Searcy, “Everybody kind of stood up around it like now it’s time for us to prove that he deserves this. We can turn this around. … I think I would just say I appreciate all the love and support (the Florida fans) been giving us. Just continue. You know, we’re going to get right soon. … I think (Napier is) doing a great job right now of instilling beliefs and core values in us that’s going to carry on and lead us to that championship team we need to be.”

Can the Gators get into a bowl game?

With three games remaining, Florida needs two wins to become bowl eligible. For Billy Napier and his program, it would be a step in the right direction. The Gators failed to reach a bowl last year when they finished 5-7. A win Saturday at home vs. LSU would put Florida in a good position to go bowling with games against Ole Miss, which is really good, and FSU, which is not, remaining.

“I think it’s definitely very important for me,” Searcy said. “It means a lot because last year I didn’t get one, so I definitely want to experience one.”