After disappointing seasons, several big-time programs hit the reset button, a move that required giving up hundreds of millions to part ways with head coaches who underperformed in 2025.
To find out “what fired coaches from the 2025 carousel are doing,” CBS Sports analyzed each FBS leadership change during the most recent college football offseason, with every former head man’s remaining buyout being a key factor in the ranking.
The Florida Gators made one of the biggest splashes last winter when they dumped Billy Napier and brought in Jon Surmall. College Football writer Brad Crawford illustrated the growing financial commitment programs are making when expectations are not met. Even when faced with the reality of massive guaranteed contracts, more and more teams are opting to each the cost and move on.
Napier is now trying to build again at James Madison.
“Napier ran out of time at Florida and was dismissed following a 3-4 start to his fourth season. Now he’s back in the Group of Six ranks, where he went 40-12 in four seasons at Louisiana.” Crawford goes on to explain, “At James Madison, he inherits a program built by previous coaches Curt Cignetti and Bob Chesney.”
“The No. 1 resource that we have at James Madison is that we have the best game day atmosphere in the country in G6 football,” Napier said after his introductory press conference.
“We have an incredible degree to offer. We have an incredible community and state and we certainly have enough resources from a rev share perspective to be competitive in our conference and more importantly at the top of Group of Six football. I wouldn’t be sitting here if that wasn’t the case.”
Substantial financial risks are increasingly becoming a cost of doing business in Power Four conferences like the SEC. As NIL and revenue sharing only continue to expand, programs will continue to roll the dice on seismic coaching investments in pursuit of a championship.
Florida’s decision mirrors a broader trend across the sport. Schools are prioritizing long-term contention over a hefty short-term burden that includes paying multiple coaches simultaneously. Early on it seems the swing on Sumrall is paying off, given the momentum he has already been able to generate on the recruiting trail and through national perception.
If he can guide the Gators to a top-25 finish, Florida brass will feel far more at ease about the gamble.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Rising cost of competing in CFB reflected by Florida’s coaching gamble
Reporting by Michael Long, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Michael Long, Gators Wire | USA TODAY Network
