Billy Napier has had people on his side. Some bear more weight than others.
The vultures have been circling Florida Football this offseason, hoping to pick over what remains of Billy Napier if the Gators’ 2024 season fails. We’ve also documented a number of pundits at Hail Florida Hail who believe in Napier, and with so many vultures out there, it’s great to have as much support as possible.
However, some support carries more weight than others, and Napier received one endorsement on Wednesday that may not have much significance in the eyes of college football fans.
Florida Football: You Are Invited To Leave
Bryan Harsin was Boise State’s head coach from 2014 to 2020 before being named Auburn’s head coach in 2021.
To say his time at Auburn was a disaster would be like saying the Titanic’s maiden voyage went poorly, an obvious statement that still doesn’t do it justice. Harsin finished 6-7 in his first season with the Tigers, and 31 players, including quarterback Bo Nix, transferred out at the end of the season. Multiple players on their way out questioned the culture Harsin brought to the table, and the pressure was already on the new coach.
Auburn opened the 2022 season 3-5, and Harsin was asked to depart after a crushing defeat to Arkansas.
With that in mind, Harsin, who has not coached in college since being let go, took to the X to show his support for Napier, who is also on the hot seat heading into 2024.
“I’m comfortable with my actions.”
– Billy Napier
Coach Napier has always handled himself with class. He’s a winner 40-12 at his last program! He’s following 10 years of fired coaches & is working to build some consistency with Florida. He deserves the benefit of the doubt. https://t.co/JjmL5Cp3Sx— Bryan Harsin (@CoachHarsin) May 29, 2024
When writing an argumentative essay, there is a notion called rhetorical appeals. Logos is the utilization of facts, and Napier had a 40-12 record at his last program. Pathos is the use of emotion, and mentioning he has always behaved himself with class is intended to elicit empathy for Napier.
Then there’s ethos, or the author’s credibility in speaking on the subject. Bryan Harsin was fired from Auburn in less than two years and is demanding that Napier be given the benefit of the doubt.
This argument does not quite pass the ethics test.
