The biggest news this week in college football came when Florida decided to fire head coach Billy Napier. This decision has a massive impact on Georgia because the Gators are a major rival and just so happen to be UGA's next opponent. But beyond that, Napier is a good friend of Kirby Smart, so there is a part of him that feels bad for Napier being let go.
Smart was asked on Tuesday about Napier being fired, and he went as far as to say that he hates that Florida had to make that decision.
"You know, first of all I have a lot of respect for Billy," Smart shared via 247sports.com. "I've known Billy a long time. We were on staff together at Alabama. I like Billy a lot. I think Billy is very intelligent, very well-organized. His attention to detail is at a really high level. He's a guy that thinks things out really well. I think they've recruited well and done a good job. I hate it in this profession. We all know what we sign up for, and Billy understands that."
Kirby Smart reacts to Billy Napier being fired
Smart and Napier have a long history that goes back to being on the same staff at Alabama under Nick Saban. So these two are good friends even though they have been coaching at rival schools over the past few years.
But even though Napier being fired will help Georgia in their upcoming matchup against Florida, Smart still feels bad seeing his friend let go.
It is a little ironic that Smart feels this way because Napier being unable to beat him and Georgia is part of the reason why he was fired. But that is the nature of the business, and that is why Smart feels so bad for him.
Kickoff between Georgia and Florida is scheduled for 3:30 pm EST on Nov. 1. This will be Florida's first game without Napier on the sideline, so it will be interesting to see what kind of fight the Gators put up against Georgia without him.