Billy Napier raves about coaching ability of Alex Golesh, compares USF to Tennessee

When Billy Napier watches his team line up against USF on Saturday, a familiar foe will be on the opposing sideline. Napier has gone up against Bulls head coach Alex Golesh before but not as in-state foes. This goes back to when Golesh was the offensive coordinator at Tennessee.

“There’s a ton of carryover,” Napier said about facing Golesh at multiple stops. “Obviously, Coach Golesh, experience at Central Florida and Tennessee being a coordinator and, ultimately, a head coach calling the offense. We have history. He was at Tennessee our first year and then we played against that system a couple times a year. I do think there’s a little cat and mouse there in general.”

To this point, advantage Golesh. His offense put up 38 points against Napier back in 2022, totaling 576 yards. Quarterback Hendon Hooker was nearly flawless with 347 yards and two touchdowns, while Tennessee averaged 5.4 yards per carry on 42 attempts.

Golesh has taken the system, learned through Josh Heupel, and moved to USF. The program is beginning to build, evidenced by a strong season-opening win against a ranked Boise State team. And while Golesh might have the offensive background, Napier really sees where the defense is beginning to blossom. Something you could say about Tennessee in recent years, despite Heupel’s background.

“I just think, as a program overall, you see their DNA is similar to Tennessee,” Napier said via the SEC Coaches Teleconference. “I think they’re improving on defense. I think they played at a high level on defense in the opener. Tennessee has improved over the last few years and, statistically, been one of the better defenses in the country… Good overall identity in all three parts of the team and I think that’s a tribute to the head coach. I think he’s a really sharp up-and-comer. He’s done a heck of a job, they’ll continue to get better.”

Florida will walk into the Swamp favored by over two touchdowns. However, you can tell Napier will make sure USF has the team’s full respect. Golesh got a nice upset victory vs. Boise State but taking down the Gators would bring this to a whole new level.

Napier can also use this game as some preparation for Nov. 22 when Tennessee comes to Gainesville. Of course, nothing is important than starting the year with a 2-0 record. Given the similarities, getting some early work on an SEC opponent never hurts.