Florida Gators HC has become accustomed to the heat. The post Billy Napier’s Risky Gamble Puts Gators’ Future in Jeopardy as Vinnie Sunseri Move Brings Him Closer to Firing appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Despite winning the final four games and a bowl, despite the big finish in recruiting, Napier still isn't out of the woods yet

Florida has made its hire of Vinnie Sunseri official, the program announced on Thursday morning. Sunseri will serve as the team’s co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach, according to a press release.

The Florida Gators' signature win over the Ole Miss Rebels was among ESPN's top 100 college football games played in 2024.

What to Know: Wilson was a longtime Oregon commit, but noticeably did not sign with the Ducks in the early signing period. Instead, the coveted receiver became the highest-ranked Gator in the 2025 cycle after flipping to Florida on Dec. 22. He caught 41 balls for 677 yards and nine touchdowns for Tampa Bay Tech last year.

Former Georgia running back Trevor Etienne has had some strong practices in his bid to prove to NFL scouts that he’s more than a third-down running back. Etienne will play for the American team in the Senior Bowl,

Vinnie Sunseri, who played safety at Alabama from 2011-13, will replace Austin Armstrong, who left UF after two seasons for the University of Houston.

Florida is reportedly working toward a deal to bring former Alabama defensive back and Washington assistant Vinnie Sunseri on staff.

UF's offensive line projects as a strength in 2025 with All-American center Jake Slaughter and left tackle Austin Barber among four starters returning. Freshman All-SEC guard/tackle Bryce Lovett is also back to provide depth at all positions.

Jaden Rashada reportedly plans to transfer during the spring portal window after entering in January as part of the winter portal window.

Here's a look at the names listed on On3's hot seat list: Brent Pry (Virginia Tech), Troy Taylor (Stanford), Scott Satterfield (Cincinnati), Brent Brennan (Arizona), Mike Locksley (Maryland), Sam Pittman (Arkansas), Billy Napier (Florida) and Hugh Freeze ( Auburn ).

One of the biggest offseason needs for Florida football was the wide receiver position, and helping them fill that need was J. Michael Sturdivant, a notable wide receiver from UCLA who declared for the transfer portal on Dec. 10.