Florida’s Billy Napier explains what he’s learned from Nick Saban, Dabo Swinney

Things Billy Napier have learned under Nick Saban and Dabo Swinney never get old, the Florida coach said Wednesday during SEC media days in Nashville.

Napier, who worked under Swinney in Clemson from 2006 to 2010 and for Saban at Alabama from 2013-2016, was asked how much of what he learned from those two coaches does he used these days and how much is no longer useful.

“I think obviously two of the better coaches in the history of our game, if not the best,” Napier declared.

“I would say that a lot of the things that you learn from those guys stand the test of time. I think simple things like defining expectations, being really consistent and fair, everyone understanding their role, and you know, kind of putting the ego aside and working to earn more.

“You know, I think they are good at what they do because they have conviction about what they want their football team to look like, right, and there’s a big picture plan relative to purpose, right. I know for me, our purpose is the player, right. We want to create a life-changing organization that has impact on the person, the student and the football player.

“I think we have learned those things. I’m excited about some of the things we have implemented to do just that. So if we can connect the dots with the degree, the experiences that we can create for our alumni, if we can equip, if we can educate and teach and develop football players, we’ve got a great opportunity to do those things in the future, as well.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.