The once-viral hashtag “#Fire Fire Billy Napier” is now outdated! Thanks to the Florida Gators’ much-needed 24-13 Saturday night win against UCF, pacifying the fans calling for the coach’s head. Although there is a lot more to do for the Gators to improve an average of 14-16 under Napier’s highly criticized stewardship, last week’s win settled the temporary dust at least. After dealing with unbridled backlash for weeks, the veteran coach burst into an insane post-game celebration in the locker room. And guess what is even more engrossing? Haters in the comment section turned fans or at least significantly mellowed down their rage.

Florida got blown away by Miami in the season opener, prompting scrutiny of coach Napier’s unsuccessful strategy. But before we could dig into that, another upset hit the team from Texas A&M (33-20) with the Aggies being at their best. This embarrassing home loss provided enough room for fans to slam the coach even more. But he stood strong facing the storm with patience and compassion and kept believing that the Gators could find their footing back only with a home win against the University of Central Florida. He thought, he planned, and he executed, leaving every naysayer in the doubt.

Apart from all the technical details of the game, one big factor that played a huge role in his career-saving win for Billy Napier was the healthy relationship and team spirit he fostered in the Gators’ locker room. The empathy that the HC oozes out has been a true living force. Despite constant disappointments through the past games, he lets all of it slide and continues to be the player’s best friend, philosopher cum guide without fail. Quarterback Graham Mertz said, ”Napier took the blame for the team’s losses this season, but players don’t want to play for anyone else.” Finally, the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium bore fruits for the Orange and Blue.

For the first time this season, Florida’s defense showcased an SEC-defense level throughout, leaving space for just one touchdown, seven tackles for loss, and five sacks. The passing attack was also on point, with Mertz and Lagway carrying the ladder. After the boys did their part on the field, an overwhelming coach let it loose on the brief locker room celebration.

Fans echo the sentiment in the comment, dodging their infamous anti-Napier rally.

CFB world takes a U-turn from ‘fire Billy Napier’ demand

”These kids have been beat up pretty good here in the first month of the season, So, we’re looking to push every button,” Napier said this after a huge elevation in status, clearly depicting they are not stopping here and will be back in the grit after a small celebratory pause. Appreciating the consistent hunger for doing better, one fan wrote, ”He wants this job. He wants to win. Rough stretch coming up, so we will see how this team fights. But Billy ain’t goin down easy and I respect it!!!! GO GATORS”

Molding such a phoenix-like comeback is only possible for Billy Napier, something his haters will also admit. Proving what hard work, self-belief, and team bonding can do, the veteran is now shifting the fans’ paradigm. Another rare uplifting comment read, ‘‘Buzz cut Billy scripting the greatest comeback story since Puff Daddy.” The collective voice is encouraging and motivating him to maintain the current positive momentum, as one commented, ”Please bring this type of energy every game. They need to be intense and play with heart for 4 quarters every single game.’‘

Some critics, however, didn’t turn an admirer overnight, but they at least adored what they saw on the field and expressed how wholesome it was with comments like, ”I still want Billy gone but that doesn’t mean I don’t like him as a person. It’s good to see him happy and enjoying a win.” The praise continues with another fan saying, ”This is the most energy I’ve seen them have in years.”

It will sure be riveting to see how things pan out for the semi-cornered coach from now on.