USA TODAY Sports writers discussed former Penn State coach James Franklin as a potential replacement for Napier.Franklin is considered a strong program builder, having previously found success in the SEC at Vanderbilt.Some analysts question if Franklin is the right fit, citing a need for an offensive-minded coach at Florida.

Billy Napier is among the college football head coaches most expected to get the ax this season after Florida football’s 2-4 start to the 2025 campaign. While he still roams the sidelines, most believe the writing is already on the wall.

One of the most pressing questions surrounding Napier’s fate is who will replace the Gators’ fourth head coach in 11 years. The program is currently mired in a cycle of hires and fires that has brought a historic low unseen in the Swamp during the modern era.

USA TODAY Sports writers John Adams and Blake Toppmeyer recently discussed the possibility of former Penn State Nittany Lions coach James Franklin returning to the Southeastern Conference — and possibly as a replacement for Florida’s fourth-year HC.

“I love this idea. Franklin’s a program builder,” Adams offers. “Florida will need a new coach soon. Franklin would be an undeniable upgrade on Billy Napier.”

As for whether the former Penn State skipper will make his way south, he believes there are a few reasons to believe it is a possibility.

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“He’s not hurting for cash. If he’s interested, though, a few SEC schools would be wise to make that interest mutual. I saw this guy win at Vanderbilt, before NIL and transfer free agency. That achievement isn’t lost on me.”

On the other hand, Penn State’s erstwhile head coach might not be a good fit in Gainesville.

“Absolutely agree Franklin is a program builder,” Toppmeyer begins, but then offers a caveat.

“At Florida, the fans don’t just want to win. The Gators want to be entertained. They want Steve Spurrier 2.0, a true quarterback savant. When was the last time Franklin developed a star quarterback? I’ll wait.”

Chances are, Franklin does not land with the Orange and Blue — or anywhere else in the southeast, to be honest. His skill set appears to be more suitable for a general manager position somewhere, a role that has been gaining popularity meteorically among big-time college football programs.

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