With the exit of Bob Chesney from the James Madison football program for a position at UCLA, a prominent vacancy has arisen in Group of Five football. The head coach position at James Madison University is now open, attracting attention towards Billy Napier, a former assistant at Alabama.
Billy Napier: Top Candidate for James Madison Role
Reportedly, Billy Napier is being considered as a potential head coach for James Madison. His coaching background includes a tenure at Florida and notable achievements at Louisiana. Despite facing challenges with the Gators, Napier’s previous success in the Group of Five remains a strong point in his favor.
Coaching Career Highlights
- Louisiana (2018-2021): 40 wins and 12 losses
- Conference Titles: Two consecutive championships in his final seasons
- Florida (2022-2025): 22 wins and 23 losses, leading to his dismissal
While at Louisiana, Napier achieved three consecutive seasons of at least ten victories, cementing his reputation for building competitive programs. In contrast, his Florida tenure, marked by inconsistency, saw the team finish with an 8-5 record in 2024, culminating in a Gasparilla Bowl victory despite the uncertainty surrounding his future due to firing rumors.
Upcoming Challenges
James Madison aims to assert its stature in the Sun Belt Conference, facing Troy in the championship game scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m. on ESPN. The search for a new head coach is expected to conclude soon, as the program looks to maintain momentum in a highly competitive landscape.
