The Florida Gators cut ties with Billy Napier on Oct. 19 after starting the season 3-4 with losses to South Florida, LSU, Miami and Texas A&M. Florida entered the year ranked No. 15 in the AP Top 25 Poll with SEC title and national championship aspirations.
The Gators are searching for Napier’s replacement in a competitive market, with Auburn, Arkansas, LSU, Penn State, UCLA, Virginia Tech and Oklahoma State all needing new head coaches.
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Florida’s brand and resources make it one of the most intriguing openings, though, and will draw a lot of attention.
The rumors continue to heat up, and on Friday, Pro Football Focus’ Max Chadwick predicted that Florida will hire current Washington Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch as Napier’s replacement.
Washington Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch stands on the sideline during a second quarter timeout against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Husky Stadium.Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
“Fisch a Florida alum who spent two years as a graduate assistant there under Steve Spurrier after he graduated,” Chadwick wrote. “Fisch has done a solid job over the last three seasons at Arizona and now with the Huskies, compiling a 22-13 record since 2023. He’s not the splashiest hire that the Gators could make, but he has familiarity with the program and could provide some much-needed stability in Gainesville.”
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Fisch serves as the team’s offensive play caller. Heading into Week 12, the Huskies rank sixth in the Big Ten in total yards per game (417.7) and points per game (32.7). Currently 6-3, he will have led Washington to two straight bowl game appearances by the end of the season.
He’s also done well with recruiting. Washington’s 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes both rank within the top 25 nationally and top 10 in the Big Ten.
However, he has made a long-term commitment to Washington, signing a seven-year $54 million contract in 2024. Fisch has also addressed rumors of him leaving, saying, “We love coaching at the University of Washington,” according to Andy Yamashita of The Seattle Times.
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As Florida continues its search, the program may need to move quickly before the top candidates all land with different programs. Though Fisch appears committed to Washington, his name will likely remain in the mix.
Besides Fisch, Chadwick lists Ole Miss Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin, South Florida Bulls head coach Alex Golesh and former Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin as other candidates to replace Napier.
Related: Penn State Predicted to Replace James Franklin with Surging College Football Coach
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.