Billy Napier was busy on Wednesday in Atlanta. The former Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns coach made his SEC media days debut as head of the Florida Gators football program. While the annual summer event is often lively depending on who is at the podium, it was all business for the latest skipper on UF’s coaching carousel. Here are three things we learned from Napier’s time in the Big Peach.
First off, the new head coach emphasized the importance of a good culture. When talking about Anthony Richardson, Ventrell Miller, and Richard Gouraige (the three players who accompanied Napier to media days) he said the following.
“These players represent our values. They have integrity. They’re great teammates. They have discipline in their approach. They give great effort. They’re tough. They believe. I think that comes from great preparation.
They not only contribute on the field, but they’ve done a great job off the field, as well.”
It’s clear that Napier’s primary objective isn’t in the Xs and Os (although that’s important too) but rather to create an environment that can be self-sustainable and team-oriented.
It is also of significant note that Napier has the support of the higher-ups. A program can only reach the levels the Florida fanbase expects the Gators to reach when there is synergy from top to bottom. Napier famously turned down multiple SEC head coaching jobs because of a lack of institutional structure (a rumored seven of the SEC’s 14 jobs).
The evidence is also in the massive investment made in the off-field section of the program. While in the works before Napier’s arrival in Gainesville, the new football complex shows the eagerness of the Florida higher-ups to do what it takes to win championships in the current college football landscape. Napier said it himself.
“I have been impressed with the leadership at Florida in terms of their awareness, what it’s required to be competitive at this level, their investment in the Heavener…
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