After yesterday’s victory against Mississippi State, Florida made the decision to fire head coach Billy Napier. This came after the former Florida coach went 3-4 on the season. The Gators were also 2-2 within the SEC.
Following the decision to fire the head coach, fans have already started calling for the next head coach. Currently, the interim head coach, Billy Gonzales, will take over for the rest of the season.
Who is Florida’s Interim HC, Billy Gonzales?
While Napier won his final game in Gainesville, it wasn’t enough to save his job. At halftime, with Florida up 13-7, fans within the chant called for the head of the former head coach. Just a day later, they were granted their wish.
Billy Gonzales is set to be named Florida’s interim head coach, sources tell @CBSSports.
Has been Florida’s wide receivers coach the last three seasons. https://t.co/kYMu4CxtJy pic.twitter.com/atx7un7V4t
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) October 19, 2025
“Billy Gonzales is set to be named Florida’s interim head coach, sources tell @CBSSports. He has been Florida’s wide receivers coach for the last three seasons.” CBS Sports reporter Matt Zenitz revealed, following the decision.
After playing wide receiver at Colorado State from 1989-93, the new interim head coach began his coaching career as the wide receivers coach at MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois. He has served under the likes of Urban Meyer, Dan Mullen, and Napier.
“Billy G has been an absolute professional since the day he arrived. He’s a good man. He’s got character, I think he cares about the players, and he’s certainly an expert at what he does.” Napier explained his opinion on his replacement as head coach back in 2023.
The current head coach departed Florida in 2010 to join Louisiana State. He returned in 2018 with Mullen, before leaving after his departure. He returned to the Gators for his third stint under Napier in 2023.
During his time as a wide receiver coach, Gonzales has worked with some of the best wide receivers in College Football who also made it to the NFL. This includes the likes of Odell Beckham Jr and San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Rickey Perasall.
Following the decision, Gonzales will take over for the rest of the season. His first game as head coach will be against the Georgia Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are coming off a massive win last week, which could potentially have them shooting up the AP rankings.
With an amount of funding and investment that rivals even Penn State’s, as well as a history of National Title-winning seasons, Florida will be one of the most attractive destinations in College Football. Meanwhile, Napier will be looking for his next job.
