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Following his introduction as the head coach of the Florida Gators football program, Billy Napier’s contract details have been released. The 28th head football coach in program history signed a seven-year, $58.1 million deal with the University Athletic Association, which was signed on Nov. 28.
Here are five takeaways from Napier’s contract:
1. The UAA will pay Louisiana a $3 million buyout as a part of hiring Napier.
In the summer of 2021, Napier signed a new deal with Louisiana that would run through Dec. 31, 2025, and nearly doubled his annual compensation to $2 million. UL gave Napier a base salary of $400,000 per year with a contingent premium benefit of $1.6 million from the Ragin’ Cajun Athletic Foundation. With nearly three years left on his deal, the UAA agreed to pay UL $3 million as a “reimbursable employee business expense and shall not be considered compensation.”
2. Napier’s army is loading up
Napier’s new contract states he will be allowed 10 full-time assistant coaches with a salary pool of $7.5 million annually. Additionally, Napier was given access to $5 million annually for other support staff. All lengths and other conditions will be agreed upon by athletic director Scott Strickland and Napier. As Napier has made it plainly clear he wants to build an army of support staff for recruitment and Name, Image and Likeness purposes, the funds reflect the importance of his army to the success of his program.
3. The Napier-touch on the Heavener Football Training Center
Although Napier arrived on campus well-after construction beginning on the Heavener Football Training Center, the new ball coach will “have input in the final planning and interior design of the football facility.” The new center, which will be home to a new locker room, weight room and other enmities, is slated to open in late August, prior to the team’s season-opener against Utah on Sept. 3. Additionally, Napier will work with the UAA for future facility and program improvements as well as discussing the related budgets.
4. It’s never too early to discuss a buy-out
A section of Napier’s contract laid out the plans for a possible buy-out, should he be terminated at any point of his tenure. Per the contract, “UAA shall pay Coach 85% of total remaining Annual Compensation due through otherwise unexpired Term…” Specifically, 50 percent of the payment owed will be paid within 30 days of Napier’s termination with the remainder paid in equal 12.5 percent over the following four years. All 12.5 percent payments will be made on July 15 of each year. On the other side, should Napier terminate his agreement without cause, he will owe a liquidated damage payment. $7 million will be owed should termination be on or before Dec. 31, 2022, which will decrease by $2 million each in 2023 and 2024, should he terminate his contract in each of those years. Should he be terminated on or before Dec. 31, 2025, he will owe $2 million, which will decrease to $1.5 million in 2026 and $1 million in 2027. Cause for Napier terminating his contract is the UAA’s failure to make payments or provide benefits.
5. ABC – Always Be ‘Cruitin
Part of Dan Mullen’s failure as head coach was lackluster recruiting, something Napier has made very clear that he plans on improving for the Gators. In his contract, Napier and his staff are given the use of private air transportation for “recruiting activities, professional development activities and appearances at high school coaching clinics.” Private air transportation includes either a chartered plane or university owned. As far as general air travel goes, Napier has access to the UAA aircraft for UAA business use and $70,000 worth of flights for personal use.