Florida football’s Billy Napier era has taken its latest loss.
After taking a 16-15 lead at the start of the fourth quarter, No. 15 Florida punted in its next two drives and then broke down defensively on the final drive of the game vs. unranked South Florida, allowing a 20-yard walk-off field goal to lose to the Bulls at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 6.
It’s another loss in what was considered by many to be an important season for the fourth-year coach, who led two losing campaigns in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The 2024 season had its ups and downs, which included a 4-5 start to the season before a four-game win streak to end the season, including ranked wins over LSU and Ole Miss.
Here’s what to know about Napier’s contract, including details of his buyout should Florida to terminate his contract without cause at some point this season:
Billy Napier buyout at Florida
According to Napier’s contract, which was obtained by the USA TODAY Sports Network, Napier’s buyout as of Sept. 6, 2025 would be nearly $22 million for his contract that is set to run through Jan. 31, 2029. In addition, Napier would have no duty mitigate and Florida would not be entitled to offset from any of his future income.
The buyout amount is based on 85% of what Florida terms his “annual compensation.” That amount is $7.4 million this contract year, which ends Jan. 31, 2026 and is set to increase by $100,000 in each future year.
Billy Napier Florida contract details
Napier was given a large financial commitment by Florida when the Gators hired him away from the University of Louisiana in 2021 as Dan Mullen’s successor. The Gators signed Napier to a seven-year, $51.8 million contract, with an annual average value of $7.4 million.
He is making an annual average value of $7.4 million this season.
Billy Napier record
Following Florida’s loss to USF on Sept. 6, Napier has a 20-20 overall record in four seasons with the Gators.
USA TODAY’s Steve Berkowitz contributed to this article.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Billy Napier buyout: How much Florida football owes coach if fired
Reporting by John Leuzzi and Steve Berkowitz, USA TODAY NETWORK / The Gainesville Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
