Earlier this season, the Florida Gators decided to make a major move. They made the decision that head coach Billy Napier was not the right guy to lead the program into the future and parted ways with him.
Since that move was made, a plethora of names have been put forward as potential targets for the Gators.
Florida is one of the most coveted head coaching jobs in the nation. Even though the program hasn’t been a top-tier contender for quite some time, the Gators are loaded with backing for NIL purposes and their storied history makes them a constant contender to land elite recruits.
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At this point in time, there is no telling what Florida is going to do and who the program will hire. Lane Kiffin was heavily linked to the Gators, but he seems to be down to choosing between staying at Ole Miss or accepting the head coaching job at LSU.
There are some names to watch closely. Jon Sumrall has been constantly linked to Florida, while other candidates like Jedd Fisch have come up as potential options. However, it’s possible that the Gators could consider some sleeper options.
Should they choose to explore sleeper options, there is one name that should be added to the list.
Former Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald is still available and would likely be very open to returning to the sidelines. He did a lot with a football program not known for having success.
Throughout his tenure with the Wildcats from 2006 to 2022, Fitzgerald led the program to a 110-101 record. Being able to accomplish that at Northwestern is a major feat.
With their next head coach, the Gators badly need someone who can rebuild the culture of a winning football team. That is an area that Fitzgerald thrives. He has always formed great relationships with his players and has been a great recruiting coaching as well.
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Even though there were some concerns about a hazing scandal during Fitzgerald’s time with the Wildcats, he was cleared of any wrongdoing.
So far, Fitzgerald’s name has not come up as a candidate for Florida. But, if the Gators are looking for a candidate who could change the culture and bring stability to the program, Fitzgerald should at least be considered.
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