It’s the time of year that college football preview magazines begin coming out, giving fans a closer look at their team and others ahead of the 2024 campaign. And one of the most interesting features always comes courtesy of Lindy’s Sports Magazine: anonymous quotes from coaches.
For Florida, heading into a pivotal third year under coach Billy Napier, there’s a lot to digest.
One anonymous coach believes Napier is in some trouble due to his personality and style of instilling discipline in his program.
“Napier got his butt handed to him in recruiting this year,” the anonymous coach said. “He got poached at the end. I think Billy is really smart and a good coach, but I think he’s too nice for that place. I don’t think he has control of the players. You need a Nick Saban enema at Florida. Billy is not a huge disciplinarian. That’s what happened with (Will) Muschamp and (Jim) McElwain and (Dan) Mullen. Florida has been mismanaged by every head coach they’ve had since Urban Meyer….”
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While that may be a dire outlook, Lindy’s Sports Magazine had some takes from other coaches too.
One reason for optimism is that Florida appears to have retooled its defense considerably this offseason. In addition to being a year older and going into the second season under coordinator Austin Armstrong‘s scheme, the Gators also replaced multiple assistant coaches.
The additions of transfers Cormani McClain, Asa Turner, Jameer Grimsley, Grayson Howard, Trikweze Bridges and Joey Slackman, among others, are expected to bolster the defense.
But how good will it be? That will be important, one anonymous coach said.
“Kirby Smart, at Georgia, built a championship-level defense first,” the coach said. “Alabama built a championship-level defense first under Saban. You’ve got to get the defense right. Billy Napier hasn’t played Florida Gator defense.”
Then there’s the final factor outlined by Lindy’s Sports Magazine: the schedule. Florida’s slate is as brutal as they come, highlighted by a ridiculous five-game stretch to end the season.
That stretch will put immense pressure on the Gators to deliver early in the season, as one anonymous coach breaks down.
“Florida opens with Miami in Gainesville,” the coach said. “If the Gators don’t win that game, Napier might not make it to October. That is a huge game for Billy.”
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