When Florida football fires Billy Napier, here are 7 candidates to consider |Toppmeyer

The Florida Gators stink. Let us not equivocate.

Because they stink, and because this is coach Billy Napier’s third season, and because he had losing records in his first two seasons, and because he’s not recruiting well, Napier very likely will be fired this season. Let us also not equivocate on that.

“It’s disgusting,” Napier said of Florida’s performance after its 33-20 loss to Texas A&M on Saturday. “I mean, ultimately, that’s my fault.”

At least Florida fans agree with their coach on that.

Napier would be due a buyout of more than $25 million if he’s fired after this season. The buyout would be $28 million he’s fired now. When the time comes, money won’t be an object, as reported by USA TODAY’s Matt Hayes on Saturday.

The Gators would become the guinea pig for hiring a coach within the expanded playoff era. Hiring a coach from a playoff-qualifying team would be a challenge, because of the timeline.

First-round playoff games will occur on Dec. 20-21. That’s after the early signing window and after the offseason transfer sweepstakes begin.

Ideally, Florida would have a new coach in place by early December, to stem the tide of outbound transfers and allow maximum time for portal shopping.

Before we consider potential candidates, let’s discuss a few general particulars: Programs often hire the opposite of what they had before. Napier succeeded as a Group of Five coach. He’d never been a Power 4 head coach. He’s a low-key guy whose M.O. centered on “The Process.” His teams weren’t just bad. They were boring, too.

7 candidates on my mind for Florida Gators

1. Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss): Kiffin would be the closest thing to the second coming of Steve Spurrier. He’s a wonder for Ole Miss. His high-scoring offenses and “Portal King” ways would be a 180-degree pivot from Napier. Trouble is, he’s been too good. The Rebels probably are bound for the playoff. Also, Kiffin is well-compensated by Ole Miss, and he’s got a well-oiled NIL machine. Good luck stealing him away.