Paul Finebaum dismisses bold rumor about Florida Gators’ Billy Napier and Ryan Day.
Summer is the season for barbecues and coaching rumors.
Many Florida Gator fans suspect (or hope) that college football head coach Billy Napier is on the hot seat.
Napier has received a cautious endorsement from Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin as he heads into 2024. In his first two seasons, Napier has recorded a concerning 11-14 overall record and 6-10 in the SEC, never finishing higher than fourth in the East Division (which no longer exists in 2024). Additionally, the Gators face what might be the toughest schedule in college football history this upcoming season.
When asked if Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day could potentially replace Napier, ESPN personality and radio host Paul Finebaum responded:
“No, I don’t,” Finebaum said on his radio show. “I think Ryan Day is better suited for the Midwest or the NFL. I don’t see a scenario where he would come south.”
However, some SEC athletic directors might disagree, especially with the upcoming expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. Could Stricklin be one of them?
Day is a top-notch recruiter, with the No. 1 2025 football recruiting class according to both 247Sports and ESPN. He also has an incredibly strong team for 2024, with the Buckeyes ranked just behind the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs. Over five seasons, Day has a 59-8 overall record and two College Football Playoff appearances.
If Ohio State’s new AD Ross Bjork were ever foolish enough to fire Day due to his losing streak against their rivals, the Michigan Wolverines, Day would likely fit in well in the south.
