Florida coach Billy Napier is getting a fourth season to try to get the Gators back to their winning ways.
Athletic director Scott Stricklin made the announcement in a "letter to Gator Nation" on Thursday that said the team is "building a foundation that promises greater success next season and beyond."
The Gators 4-4, 2-3 Southeastern Conference have made significant strides since lopsided losses to Miami and Texas AM during the first month of the season. Napier shored up the team's shaky defense, found a potential star in freshman quarterback DJ Lagway and developed young talent on both sides of the ball.
It's the kind of progress that made Stricklin's decision a relatively easy one despite Napier's 15-18 mark in Gainesville ahead of Saturday's game at No. 5 Texas.
"UF's commitment to excellence and a championship-caliber program is unwavering," Stricklin wrote. "In these times of change across college athletics, we are dedicated to a disciplined, stable approach that is focused on long-term, sustained success for Gator athletes, recruits and fans.
