Former Florida head coach Billy Napier's severance with the Gators ranks among the largest in college football history. Sports Illustrated's Tim Capurso ranked the top 10 most expensive buyouts of all time and Napier's $21.2 million exit came in at No. 6.
That figure puts Napier behind Jimbo Fisher, Brian Kelly, Mark Stoops, Jonathan Smith and Gus Malzahn. It's a number that highlights the financial consequences of programs deciding to move on from coaches who underperform. Fisher notched the top spot on Capurso's list with Texas A&M forking over $77.6 million that was remaining on his contract.
Axed SEC coaches dominate the lineup, with six of the 10 buyouts involving the Southeastern Conference — Auburn is mentioned twice, along with Texas A&M,
LSU, Kentucky and Florida.
Napier was dismissed in October 2025 after the Gators got out to a 3-4 start; he ended his tenure in Gainesville with a 22-23 overall record. Jon Sumrall took over the team shortly after, bringing with him a wave of momentum and optimism that has turned the tide for a program that was middling in mediocrity.
Sports Illustrated reports that fired coaches in 2025 collectively received or were owed approximately $224 million through buyouts and settlements. Not only does the article underscore the fallout from misfiring on a head coaching hire, it also raises a broader question about how much major college athletic departments can afford to spend on unsuccessful coaching tenures while the cost of building competitive rosters continues to skyrocket.
College football's 10 largest coaching buyouts of all time, according to SI
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Billy Napier's buyout ranks among largest in college football history
