It is officially make-it-or-break-it in the eyes of Florida football fans when it comes to head coach Billy Napier this season.
The fourth-year head coach still holds the support, though, of one of the program’s legends. Danny Wuerffel appeared on the SEC Network on Tuesday morning, July 15, from SEC Media Days in Atlanta. He was asked about Napier and his performance as head coach.
The former QB praised Napier, noting the difficulty of building a good culture in this era of college football, and that he’s done that at Florida.
“We live in a day and age where culture is really hard to build, especially when you are losing,” Wuerffel said. “He’s one of the best culture builders I have seen. I think he’s an outstanding recruiter. I think he’s an outstanding leader of men.”
Wuerffel did note that there are questions about how solid of an offensive coordinator Napier is —questions Wuerffel say remain unanswered.
“I’m really pleased he’s getting another shot,” Wuerffel said.
He credited quarterback DJ Lagway with the turnaround as well, adding the sophomore helped especially with recruits.
“This is a big, big year,” Wuerffel said. “This is the year some things have to happen.”
Napier, along with Lagway, offensive lineman Jake Slaughter and defensive lineman Caleb Banks, will speak Wednesday, July 16. Follow the Gainesville Sun for coverage.
Noah Ram covers Florida Gators athletics and Gainesville-area high school sports for The Gainesville Sun, GatorSports.com and the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at nram@gannett.com. Follow him on X @Noah_ram1. Read his coverage of the Gators’ national championship basketball season in “CHOMP-IONS!” — a hardcover coffee-table collector’s book from The Sun. Details at Florida.ChampsBook.com
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Former Florida football QB Danny Wuerffel gives his take on Billy Napier heading into 2025 season
Reporting by Noah Ram, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
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