Former Florida coach Billy Napier spotted at Georgia practice following firing

Former Florida coach Billy Napier has some free time on his hands before he begins to look for another job in earnest. And as such, he’s spending it in eyebrow-raising fashion.

Napier was spotted as a special guest at Georgia‘s practice on Tuesday, according to a report from On3’s Anthony Dasher. It’s unclear what capacity he was at practice in, but Dasher notes that Napier has previously faced Texas, Georgia’s opponent this weekend.

Could Kirby Smart be picking the brain of a former colleague ahead of that matchup? It stands to reason, especially because Florida knocked off Texas 29-21 in the Swamp earlier this year.

Smart and Billy Napier have some definite history, crossing paths as assistants in the past. The two served on the same staff at Alabama, where Napier was first an offensive analyst in 2011, then a receivers coach from 2013-16.

The current Georgia coach, Smart, was on staff under Nick Saban from 2007-15, working in a couple different capacities but primarily as a defensive coordinator. The two would undoubtedly be familiar with each other from that stint.

In any case, Florida has moved on without Billy Napier. Less than two weeks ago, Georgia knocked off Florida 24-20 and Smart was quick to praise Napier after the game, despite the fact that he wasn’t coaching.

“A lot of credit to Florida. Their kids fight. You know, Billy Napier has got a really good roster here and did a great job assembling this thing,” Smart said. “They’ve got a physical football team. They’re just in a really tough league.”

With Florida opting to part ways with Billy Napier, the former head coach is in line to receive about a $21.2 million buyout. Half of it will be paid within the next 30 days.

In the meantime, Napier appears to be making the rounds, perhaps looking into what other programs are doing and how they’re being run. Or perhaps even looking for a vacant job somewhere.