Billy Napier buyout: Florida would owe coach $20-plus million if fired during 2024 football season

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Florida coach Billy Napier is due a hefty buyout if he’s fired during or after the 2024 season. 

The Gators are 1-2 after losing to Texas A&M, 33-20, at home on Sept. 14. 

Napier, widely-presumed to be on the SEC’s hottest seat this fall outside of Sam Pittman at Arkansas, is signed through the 2028 season on a deal he first inked in December 2021 worth $51.8 million. Napier received $7.1 million during his first season and saw an increase of $100,000 last fall amid a 6-7 finish.

Parting ways with Napier early would come with a hefty price tag for the Gators. His buyout for the 2024 season checks in at a whopping $26.7 million, good for 85% of his salary for each year remaining on his contract. 

Napier, who emerged as a hot name on the coaching carousel after his work at Louisiana, hasn’t led Florida to a winning season yet, but has the backing of athletic director Scott Stricklin. Napier is 11-15.

The University of Florida does not have a president at the moment after Ben Sasse resigned in July. 

If Napier’s fired before the end of his contract, language within the deal suggest Florida would owe him 50% of the total money owed within 30 days of termination.

“$26 million buyout and no President,” CBS Sports’ Aaron Taylor said Saturday, pointing out why Napier could see one more season in Gainesville. 

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/billy-napier-buyout-florida-would-owe-coach-20-plus-million-if-fired-during-2024-football-season/

Author : Brad Crawford

Publish date : 2024-09-15 01:02:09

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