The Gators (4-4, 2-3 Southeastern Conference) have made strides since lopsided losses to Miami and Texas A&M during the first month of the season. Napier shored up his shaky defense, found a potential star in freshman quarterback DJ Lagway and developed young talent on both sides of the ball.

"The tune continues to change around Billy Napier’s future," Nakos wrote. "After Florida was embarrassed 33-20 in Gainesville by Texas A&M in September, it appeared to just be a matter of time until Napier was fired. But the Gators have played Tennessee and Georgia close and are 2-3 in the SEC ."

The Florida Gators took another loss to Georgia, but this was different - it's leading to a potential shift in the perception of Billy Napier

On paper, it has been a so-so year for the Florida Gators, and certainly compared to the sky-high expectations in Gainesville, it has been a disappointment.