GAINESVILLE — Billy Gonzales parks in the same spot, uses the same office and sits in the same chair during staff meetings as he did when he coached only Florida’s receivers.
He hopes the results are different as he serves as the Gators interim head coach. Gonzales also felt some things should remain the same after Billy Napier’s Oct. 19 ouster.
“I have a ton of respect for Coach Napier,” he said Monday. “I’ve been asked to oversee the program right now by (athletic director) Mr. (Scott) Stricklin, and I’m still coach. I always told him, we are doing this together as a staff. It’s us working together. It’s us working with our players.
“Always will be, and I take great pride in that.”
Gonzales now aims to close a difficult season with some wins, beginning the most elusive one on the schedule.
The Gators (3-4, 2-2 SEC) enter Saturday’s showdown with No. 5 Georgia (6-1, 4-1) looking to beat the rival Bulldogs for the first time since 2020 and just the second time since 2016 — Kirby Smart’s first season in Athens.
“It’s a special opportunity for these guys to get a chance to go play in the game, and it means a ton,” Gonzales said. “Two states fighting right there on the border. It’s something that you want the players to have an opportunity to experience.”
Florida offensive analyst Steve Spurrier Jr., son of Gators’ legend Steve Spurrier, will work directly with quarterback DJ Lagway during games. (Courtesy UF’s University Athletic Association Communications)
Gonzales was on Dan Mullen’s staff five seasons ago when the Gators beat the Bulldogs 44-28 behind quarterback Kyle Trask. Smart’s Bulldogs has since prevailed each time by an average of 21.5 points, with last season’s 34-20 decision the most the closely contested among four meetings.
Jacksonville native Austin Barber, a member of Mullen’s final class in 2021, aims to salvage a disappointing season with a upset as 7.5-point underdogs.
“Growing up watching these games and being my last one in the Florida uniform, it’s going to be special,” he said. “We got a lot of seniors out there and we want to go put out a good product. It’s just about playing for the University and playing for the fans.”
To improve the product, Gonzales set out to tweak an offense averaging an SEC-low 17 points against FBS competition.
Quarterbacks analyst Ryan O’Hara will call plays from the coaches booth while Steve Spurrier Jr. will communicate directly with quarterback DJ Lagway on the sideline. Napier previously handled play calling duties and QB communication, an approach that ultimately proved his undoing.
Gonzales also could abandon as many two-tight end sets in favor of more wide receivers, looking to spread out defenses.
Barber, a fourth-year starter, said he saw “a little bit” of difference in UF’s attack during bye week practices.
“We’re just getting some more guys on the field — that’s a big thing,” he said.
Gonzales, in his 12th season at UF under his third head coach, hopes to find a winning formula in fresh eyes, a few tweaks on offense and continued buy-in from players upset to see Napier go.
“It was hard for me,” said placekicker Trey Smack, a member of Napier’s inaugural 2022 class. “He has done so much for me, ever since I got here. It just means a lot to have a man like that in my life. He’s a great role model for me.”
No one disputes Napier’s impact on his players or a program in need of an organizational and philosophical reboot after the precipitous end to Mullen’s four seasons, which including a 34-7 loss to Georgia.
The goal now is end the Napier era on a high note. An upset of Georgia would be a good place to begin.
“I believe in our guys,” Barber said. “We’re going to go out there, put the ball down and go perform.”
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
Up next …
No. 5 Georgia (6-1, 4-1 SEC) vs. Florida (3-4, 2-2)
When: 3:30 p.m., Saturday
Where: EverBank Stadium
TV: ABC
Favorite: Georgia by 7.5 points
