The Georgia Bulldogs have a bye this weekend, but they’re still focused on preparing for their upcoming matchup against the Florida Gators.
Preparation may be more challenging than usual, as Florida made a major move this week by firing head coach Billy Napier, who led the program to a 22-23 record.
“As far as how that affects the matchup, it probably has more impact over a longer window than just one week,” Smart said. “In a two-week window, there’s only so much you can do. Changes often bring energy. You see it across the country—teams with interim coaches have pulled off big wins and gained momentum. I know Coach Gonzalez is doing a great job. I’ve respected him for years. They have a really good staff. Again, I hate to say it, but I’m not worried about them. I’m worried about us.”
Smart also expressed respect for Napier, who he coached alongside at Alabama. “I’ve known Billy a long time. I like him a lot. He’s very intelligent, organized, and detail-oriented. He thinks things through well, and they’ve recruited and performed admirably. I hate it when these things happen in this profession. Billy understands the business, and we all know what we sign up for.”
In Napier’s place, Florida has promoted wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales to interim head coach, but Smart remains focused on his own team. “I hate to say it, but I’m not worried about them. I’m worried about us.”
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