Rex Grossman dismisses Billy Napier hot seat talk but calls 2025 'pivotal' for Florida coach

Florida coach Billy Napier is headed into a crucial fourth year of his tenure on a hot streak, having won his last four games of the 2024 season. But is he still on the proverbial hot seat?

Former Gators quarterback Rex Grossman recently sat down for a lengthy interview with CardPlayer.com and tackled that very question. He called the 2025 season “pivotal” for Napier.

“I don’t think he’s on the hot seat, but I definitely think it’s pivotal for his career at Florida to have one of those seasons you can bank on,” Grossman said. “Yes, I’ve got a great team, we’ve recruited well, and now we’ve performed well from the start to the finish. We want the fanbase excited, boosters excited, AD excited. Everyone continues this momentum that we’ve had.”

That momentum includes wins over No. 22 LSU and No. 9 Ole Miss late last year, as well as a dominant road win over rival Florida State and a bowl win over Tulane. With freshman quarterback DJ Lagway leading the way, the Gators looked like a different team.

Well, Lagway is back as a sophomore, as is a host of other skill position talent. Florida is as deep and talented at running back and receiver as it has been in years.

Still, there are those gnawing questions. Will the special teams gaffes be fixed? Can Napier manage the right balance of aggression and patience? Can the Gators get out of their own way?

“Until you have one of those great seasons, you’re always gonna be on the hot seat in a major football organization,” Grossman said. “He’s had some good seasons, and it’s time to have a great one.”

As things stand, even with the four-game winning streak to close last season, Napier stands at 19-19 overall at Florida. He’s 10-14 in conference play.

That’s not going to cut it long-term. So, 2025 has to be a turnaround in a major way.

“I don’t think it’s do-or-die, but he wants it, the team wants it,” Grossman said. “We’ve got all the facilities and everything. It’s the last year before they redo the Swamp, so I’d love to see a special year.”