The situation in Florida’s football program is dire, to the point that they can’t even issue a straightforward announcement.

After months of speculation about whether Florida would part ways with its struggling coach, Billy Napier, athletic director Scott Stricklin revealed on Thursday that Napier “will continue as head football coach of the Florida Gators.”

But for how long? Is it just until the end of this month or will he be around for the 2025 season? That’s unclear.

It seems we are supposed to believe Napier will be back next season, yet Stricklin’s convoluted five-paragraph statement fails to mention next season or 2025. This vague endorsement from an athletic director who’s also under pressure implies that Napier is on a very hot seat. His fate will depend on either being fired or managing to achieve enough wins to cool things down. Winning is still a major issue for Napier.

This announcement appears to be a tactic aimed at recruits: Join us! Things aren’t that bad.

But in reality, it’s not true. Anyone familiar with Florida knows it’s unwise to enter murky, swampy waters.

Currently, Napier’s recruiting class holds a dismal ranking of 51st in the country according to the 247Sports Composite, with only Vanderbilt below them in the SEC. To improve its outlook, Florida will need to excel in the transfer portal.

I can envision Florida’s pitch to supporters this offseason: Help fund Napier’s roster overhaul! (And keep your checkbook ready in case we need to cover a buyout next fall.)

If Napier manages to keep his position until 2025 – which is the assumption intended by Stricklin’s announcement – it certainly won’t be due to exemplary job performance.

The Gators have improved slightly in recent weeks, but they still can’t secure wins against any capable opponent. Coaches in their third year in the SEC are expected to win games, not just compete closely. Napier’s coaching mistakes were a key factor in Florida’s overtime defeat against Tennessee last month.

As other teams in the SEC grow stronger, Florida’s decision to stick with Napier seems weak.

Florida’s weak rationale for retaining Billy Napier

The main reason Florida is keeping Napier is that it lacks anyone it feels confident can replace him effectively. Interim president Kent Fuchs, who was Florida’s president when Napier was hired three years ago, is in charge again following Ben Sasse’s resignation in July.

Interim leaders tend to just maintain the status quo, avoiding major changes.

As for Stricklin, who oversees Napier? He himself is on shaky ground. His track record includes two unsuccessful football hiring attempts. He hired Dan Mullen, who he later fired, and now he has to account for a coach with a Gators record of 15-18, which is likely to deteriorate further.

When the time comes for Florida to search for a new coach, I can’t imagine Stricklin being in the leading role.

Napier’s buyout would exceed $26 million at the end of this season, and new costs are on the horizon for athletic departments in the upcoming 2025-26 season. Schools like Florida are expected to pay athletes more than $20 million annually due to a recent NCAA settlement that allows direct compensation.

So, it’s clear: Napier stays on because Florida’s management is in a transitional phase and firing him would be expensive.

Florida needs decisive solutions but is instead providing a weak show of support.

Eventually, Florida will appoint a new president, and at that time, Napier’s buyout may be lower.

“In these times of change in college athletics,” Stricklin stated, “we are committed to a consistent, stable approach that emphasizes long-term success for Florida athletics, recruits, and fans.

“I am confident that Billy will tackle the upcoming challenges and opportunities. We will assist him in making any necessary changes to enhance Gator football.”

That sounds nice, but there’s nothing in Napier’s performance over the past three seasons that suggests he is capable of meeting these expectations.

It would take some serious recall to remember the last Florida coach who achieved “sustained success.” He’s now with Fox Sports.

Florida has let go of its past three coaches following Urban Meyer, and Napier’s performance lags behind those predecessors.

With both Napier and Stricklin in charge, Florida’s former glory continues to fade into the distance.

Billy Napier’s Florida Gators falter under a challenging schedule

Stricklin’s first hire was more successful. While Mullen had issues near the end, he showed strong capability initially and was dedicated to roster development until his last year.

Napier came into a program that needed significant reinforcements and struggled to adapt to the NIL changes better than some rivals. As a result, he is at a disadvantage.

This season, Florida’s schedule ranks among the toughest in the nation. Eleven of

The Gators have faced 12 games against top-tier opponents, and all four of their losses have been to teams in the Top 25 rankings. Currently, the Gators hold a 4-4 record; they started the season poorly but have shown improved performance in recent weeks, even as victories have been elusive.

These are important points to consider, but the call for patience is prevalent amid the struggles, and it’s clear that Florida is on track for its fourth consecutive losing season.

With Napier still in charge, the Gators are beginning to resemble a program that is on the decline.