Florida went back to Nick Saban's coaching tree in hopes of finding its next great coach.
The Gators hired Louisiana-Lafayette’s Billy Napier on Sunday, ending a quick process that landed them their top target a week after firing Dan Mullen.
The 42-year-old Napier will remain with the Ragin Cajuns (11-1) this week as they prepare to host Appalachian State (10-2) in the Sun Belt Conference championship game Saturday. He is 39-12 in four seasons in Lafayette, including 32-5 the past three years.
"We are humbled and honored to accept this incredible opportunity to be the head football coach at the university of Florida,” Napier said in a statement.