Billy Napier addresses future amid multiple coaching carousel rumors

University of Louisiana head coach Billy Napier has been the subject of multiple coaching rumors, and he addressed them all with comments made on Saturday. Napier’s name has come up as a coaching option for Florida, Virginia Tech and LSU as the college football coaching carousel picked up steam recently.

Billy Napier addressed coaching rumors

With rumors following Napier around as the college season is reaching its end, The Daily Advertiser’s Tim Buckley detailed Napier’s comments on his coaching future.

“University of Louisiana coach Billy Napier, top candidate at Florida and candidate in recent days and weeks at Virginia Tech and LSU, on coaching future: ‘No decision has been made yet. We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.'”

Napier’s name has been a commonly used one among programs looking for a new coach, especially Florida of late. Napier has worked as an assistant coach under Nick Saban and Dabo Swinney, and has led Louisiana to ten-win seasons twice over the past three years.

Since taking over the Ragin’ Cajuns’ program in 2018, Napier has a 38-12 record as head coach. Napier was also named Sun Belt Coach of the Year in 2019.

Before accepting his current position with Louisiana, Napier was the offensive coordinator at Arizona State in 2017. The Sun Devils ended with a 7-6 record that season, with a bowl game appearance in the Sun Bowl.

Florida closing in on deal with Napier?

Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger and Pat Forde reported on Saturday that a deal could be finalized in the next week, with Napier appearing to be Florida’s top target to replace Dan Mullen.

There has been a lot of speculation in recent weeks about who will replace Dan Mullen as the head coach of the Florida Gators. According to Bruce Feldman, a favorite might be emerging in Florida’s coaching search.

Feldman said on Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff that Louisiana head coach Billy Napier is the favorite at this point to become the next head coach of the Gators.

“One coach I do expect to move is Louisiana’s Billy Napier,” Feldman said on Fox Big Noon Kickoff. “He’s done a terrific job in the Sun Belt. He has emerged as a favorite for the Florida vacancy, I’m told.”

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this article.