They say no one coaches harder than Billy Napier when he is on the hot seat. With three back-to-back losses at the Swamp, optimism had again peaked when Napier’s roster beat Arch Manning’s Texas. But it was short-lived, for the 21-23 loss against Mississippi State hammered his chances for another comeback, and he was fired on Sunday. Meanwhile, Billy Gonzales will be stepping up as an interim head coach.

Who Is Florida’s Interim HC, Billy Gonzales?

A veteran coach at Florida, Gonzales boasts a stacked 12-year resume and is in his third stint with the Gators as the wide receivers coach. He first joined Florida in 2005 as the WR coach under Urban Meyer, but left after the 2009 season, with two BC national championships on his resume. He joined LSU in the same capacity, along with taking up the role of recruiting coordinator.

Then again, in 2018, he came back, shouldering dual responsibilities of WR coach and co-offensive coordinator. But left in 2022 for Florida Atlantic. A year later, he made his second homecoming, again taking up his role as the WRs coach.

Last year, he helped lead the Gators’ late-season charge, winning the last four games of the season to finish with an 8-5 record overall. The victories included wins over LSU, Florida State, and Ole Miss, which ultimately brought another season for Billy Napier.

Billy Gonzales’ Ethnicity and Background

Born on July 18, 1971, Billy Gonzales grew up in Colorado and played wide receiver for Colorado State. He started his coaching journey in 1994, starting with a Division-III coaching position at MacMurray College.

From there, he moved to Kent State, got a promotion up there as a graduate assistant. Following that, he worked along with legendary coach Urban Meyer at Bowling Green, Utah, and Florida.

Over his career, he had additional stints at LSU, Illinois, Mississippi State, and Florida Atlantic.

Who Is Billy Gonzales’ Wife? Meet Julie Gonzales and Their Family

Married to Julie, the couple has two children, Cole and Caylynn. Cole is presently a quarterback at the Pittsburgh Panthers, who played his last season with the Oklahoma Sooners. Moreover, he played at North Carolina and played high school football at Trinity Catholic High School, Ocala, Florida. Back in 2024, he won the FCS National Offensive Player of the Week award from Star Performance Academy.

They are a close-knit family. Back in 2021, he shared a photograph on his X handle with a heartwarming caption. Clad in Celtics’ colors, he wrote, “Wouldn’t be where I’m at without them ❤️.” On his Instagram handle, (back in 2018) he shared another wholesome snap, of him and his father, “Happy Birthday Dad, Thanks for being the best Coach and Father! Love ya🎉🏈.”

Meanwhile, there is no other information present about Julie and Caylynn.

Billy Gonzales’ Net Worth in 2025

In January this year, On3’s Zach Abolverdi reported that Billy Gonzales had agreed to an extension with the Florida Gators. His contract was to expire by the end of the month. Per 247Sports, Gonzales signed a one-year extension, worth $525,000. A $25,000 spike from his 2024 salary. Last season, his salary was $500,000.

What’s Next for Billy Gonzales and the Florida Gators

“He is a Gator through and through. His deep understanding of our culture, our student-athletes, and what it means to represent the University of Florida makes him well-suited to lead our team,” Athletic Director Scott Stricklin stated. Coming up next, the Gators will face off Georgia Bulldogs after the bye week.

Meanwhile, the program is looking forward to filling the vacant HC seat. But as stated by the AD, the search will remain strictly confidential to “protect the privacy of those involved,” he said. “The search will focus on the hiring of an elite football coach who will embody the standard we have at the University of Florida, and we will continue to provide all of the necessary resources for that coach, his staff, and the players to be successful.”

If there’s one head coach the Gators seem interested in, it’s Ole Miss Rebels’ Lane Kiffin. Eli Drinkwitz and James Franklin are other candidates being considered, according to the list by USA Today. Florida DC Ron Roberts is another name in the speculations.