remains financially tied to two former head coaches — Dan Mullen and Billy Napier — highlighting the expensive reality of modern college football coaching contracts. Despite constant turnover aimed at restoring the Gators’ dominance in the SEC, these buyouts continue to burden the athletic department’s budget.
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Dan Mullen’s Contract Buyout Continues Through 2027
Former Florida head coach Dan Mullen, who was dismissed in November 2021, is still receiving payments from his original buyout agreement. The Gators owed Mullen roughly $12 million, structured in annual installments extending through 2027.
Mullen’s tenure started strong, leading Florida to three consecutive New Year’s Six bowl appearances, but inconsistent recruiting and back-to-back losing seasons led to his firing before the end of the 2021 campaign.
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Billy Napier’s $21 Million Buyout Adds to the Financial Strain
The Gators’ more recent coaching change involves Billy Napier, who was officially dismissed in 2025. Napier’s contract includes a $21 million buyout, one of the largest in school history. The payout is expected to be spread over multiple years, adding another major expense to Florida’s athletic budget.
Napier’s buyout underscores the escalating costs associated with coaching changes in college football, particularly in the SEC, where high expectations and rapid turnover have become the norm.
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The Rising Cost of Coaching Changes in College Football
Florida’s ongoing payments to both Mullen and Napier reflect a broader trend across college football — where buyout clauses routinely reach eight figures. Programs are willing to spend big to stay competitive, but these financial obligations can restrict future hiring flexibility and recruiting budgets.
As the Gators look ahead to a new era under their next head coach, the program will be managing over $30 million in combined buyout obligations, a reminder of how every coaching decision carries a long-term financial impact.