Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Florida AD Scott Stricklin Searches for New Football Coach

10/21/2025

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Stricklin Searches Coach

Scott Stricklin, Florida athletic director, will lead the search for a new football coach after Billy Napier was fired.
He will use a thorough process aided by a search firm and will not rush.
Interim coach Billy Gonzales will oversee the team, while quarterbacks coach Ryan O'Hara takes over play-calling.
DJ Lagway expressed commitment to the program after Napier's departure, and Stricklin seeks a coach to restore Florida's championship legacy.

Summary

Gators Seek Coach

The Florida Gators have begun their search for a new head coach after firing Billy Napier.
Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss's head coach, is a frontrunner.
Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri's head coach, led his team to consecutive top-25 finishes.
Jedd Fisch, a Florida alumnus now coaching at Washington, and Alex Golesh from USF are candidates as Florida aims to return to championship contention.

History

Historical Context

In 2010, the Florida Gators fired head coach Urban Meyer, who led the team to two national championships in 2006 and 2008. This marked a pivotal moment in the program's history, as Florida sought to restore its championship legacy amid fierce competition from SEC rivals like Ole Miss and Missouri, reflecting the ongoing pressures in college football to achieve elite performance.

1 of 3

Stricklin Searches Coach

Scott Stricklin, Florida athletic director, will lead the search for a new football coach after Billy Napier was fired.
He will use a thorough process aided by a search firm and will not rush.
Interim coach Billy Gonzales will oversee the team, while quarterbacks coach Ryan O'Hara takes over play-calling.
DJ Lagway expressed commitment to the program after Napier's departure, and Stricklin seeks a coach to restore Florida's championship legacy.

1 / 3