Does Billy Napier Name Hold Enough Weight Around Louisiana To Land LSU Job??

Many media members have reported that UL Ragin' Cajuns head coach Billy Napier is the University of Florida's No. 1 candidate after firing Dan Mullen last week. Could LSU be making a mistake if they don't pull out all the stops to keep Napier in the boot??

Sources in the LSU program believe that athletic director Scott Woodward wants a flashy name that holds weight around the state of Louisiana. It's been evident that Billy Napier's name might not be on the same level as a Jimbo Fisher or Lincoln Riley, but he has established great relationships in a rich football state among high school programs, prospects, & parents for that matter.

What's Being Said?? -

​Edna Karr head coach Brice Brown - "I think Napier would be fantastic for the job at LSU because he's done it the right way at UL recruiting not only good players, but getting kids of character. And also, he has done a great job of getting really good coaches on his staff like a Jabbar Juluke that can develop & recruit the important areas of the state." 

Scotlandville head coach Lester Ricard - "I believe with the relationships that Coach Napier & his staff has created in Louisiana it would only be enhanced at LSU. I would hate to see him leave the boot."

E.D White head coach Kyle Lassaigne - "Coach Napier has been so hospitable to high school athletics in the state that I know he'd continue the trend at LSU. He's been a genuine supporter of high school athletes at E.D White."

St. James head coach Robert Valdez - "I think hiring coach Napier would be a great hire for LSU. He already knows the state really well & his teams are consistent winners."

Liberty head coach Drey Trosclair - "Coach Napier is the best candidate for the job. He took over a program that never won 10 games before & he has three consecutive seasons of doing that. He's got SEC experience under Saban & he has great relationships with high school coaches in Louisiana already established. LSU would be crazy to let Florida get him when he's an hour down the road."

Acadiana head football coach Matt McCullough - "When it comes to recruiting & developing relationships, I think Coach Napier & his staff is as thorough as any program in the country. He's very organized & he has a plan for everything that his program does. I've been impressed with what he has done at UL since he's been there & I think he'd do a great job at LSU or any major program."

Warren Easton head coach Jerry Phillips - "Coach Napier deserves for LSU to consider him. He has put in the work & his resume speaks for itself."

Amite head coach Zephaniah Powell - "He's young & been around some great coaches like Nick Saban & Dabo Swinney. He can recruit which he has shown at UL & he knows the state really well."

St. Augustine head coach Nick Foster - "I really feel Napier should be the front runner for the LSU job. He has UL a close second behind LSU in the state, give him a brand like that & I believe he'll get that program where it needs to be. Might not be the biggest name, but it's not about hiring the big name. It's about hiring the coach that will do right by our kids & keep our guys in the state." 

Ellender head coach Jesse Turner - "Napier would be a great fit for LSU. What's he has done in Lafayette is very impressive. He has a great reputation around the state & I think this would be a great hire to get that program on top again."

St. Thomas Aquinas head coach Randell Legette - Napier is a great recruiter in regards to what fits his system. He's a culture guy & he's going to keep the in state talent at home. LSU has to build a wall around the state concerning recruiting to be successful & I believe he knows what it takes to get that done."

Thibodaux head coach Chris Dugas - "Napier would definitely be a great choice. He's done a tremendous job at UL during his tenure & I believe he'd continue that success at LSU."

Woodlawn head coach Marcus Randall -  "I believe Napier is very deserving of a power five job with his body of work at UL as a head coach. He's a proven leader & he knows the recruiting landscape of Louisiana."

East St. John head coach Brandon Brown - "Coach Napier's relationships with the high school coaches in Louisiana has been second to none. He runs a first class program & I'm sure he would continue to do an excellent job if he gets a chance at the LSU job."