Coach ,

Billy Napier excelled at Louisiana taking the Cajuns to #16 ranking in 2021 after a #15 ranking in 2020. He compiled a 40-12 record there. He also captured the Cajuns first out-right conference championship in 50+ years and their first out-right Sun Belt Championship. 

His outstanding performance at Louisiana created the opportunity to become the head coach for the Florida Gators, and he looks to build a strong culture of excellence like he did at Louisianna.

His plan for developing culture is broken into 8 phases and he gives an overview here:

In this video from his clinic “Ragin’ Cajun Formulas for Offensive Success,” Coach Napier talks about the 8 Phases of Culture, of which he says 75% came from his time with Nick Saban who will be an opponent for him if he can get the Gators to the SEC Championship Game. (Click on image for video):

Video: 8 Phases of Culture

A great tool for demonstrating the performance that is being worked toward for each position is through the use of what Coach Napier calls “Ignition Reels.” These are cut-ups of some of the best in the game doing things right.  This idea can be adapted at every level.  It could be as simple as going through past season’s film and pulling clips of some of your best players as well as creating some aspirational videos of players from high levels. Coach Napier explains how they use “Ignition Reels” in this video (Click on image for video):

Video: Ignition Reels

The Cajuns look to be great on defense as well, and two hires know how to get it done. Patrick Toney will Coordinate the defense and coach defensive backs, and former North Carolina Co-DC Jay Bateman will coach the linebackers.

Former Louisiana defensive coordinator Patrick Toney used press man coverage with the Cajuns to disrupt the timing of routes, tighten up windows and limit the effectiveness of the RPO game.

He likes to use the inch back technique in press man. It allows his corners to stay in a good position and give ground grudgingly as they cover the receiver tightly. He explains the drill here:

Video: Inch Back Technique

Linebackers Coach Jay Bateman will certainly play an integral role in getting to the quarterback behind Coach Toney’s tight coverage. At Lauren's First and Goal Clinic, Bateman explained how he likes to attack protections. The combination of a shutdown secondary with an attacking front can prove to be a deadly combination for opposing offenses. He explains his strategy here (click on image for video):

Video: Attacking Protections

Billy Napier certainly knew the formula for success at Louisianna - strong Culture, an attacking, fundamentally sound defense, and a highly organized offensive attack built around the weapons the Gators have.  One thing is for sure, the Gators will be fun to watch this fall.

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski

P.S. Check Out the Florida Staff bundle with all three of these clinics and save. You can find it here 2022 Florida Gators Staff Bundle.