James Madison Hires Billy Napier as Former Florida Coach Returns to Sun Belt Conference

Billy Napier Returns to Sun Belt as James Madison’s New Head Coach

James Madison University has appointed Billy Napier as its new head football coach, filling the vacancy left by Bob Chesney, who is set to join UCLA after the Dukes’ postseason concludes. This hire marks Napier’s return to the Sun Belt Conference, where he previously excelled as head coach at Louisiana. JMU is preparing to face Troy in the upcoming Sun Belt Championship Game and recently secured a No. 25 spot in the College Football Playoff rankings.

Napier’s tenure at Florida ended abruptly in October after a 3-4 start to the season derailed high expectations. The Gators entered the season ranked 15th in the AP Top 25 and were positioned as playoff contenders, bolstered by key returning players like quarterback DJ Lagway. However, an upset loss to South Florida led to a three-game losing streak that ultimately cost Napier his job after four seasons with a 22-23 overall record and just one bowl win.

Proven Success in the Sun Belt

Before Florida, Napier coached Louisiana from 2018 to 2021 and established himself as one of the conference’s premier coaches. Under his leadership, the Ragin’ Cajuns won four straight Sun Belt West division titles and back-to-back conference championships in 2020 and 2021. His teams were consistently ranked in the AP top 20, compiling a dominant 22-2 record in Sun Belt play from 2019 to 2021 while securing bowl games each season.

Napier’s prior coaching roles include assistant positions at Clemson, Colorado State, Alabama, and Arizona State, which adds to his extensive collegiate experience.

James Madison’s Recent Football Rise

Since transitioning from FCS to FBS in 2022, James Madison has quickly become a leading Group of Five program. Under former coach Curt Cignetti, they posted an 8-3 debut FBS season followed by an outstanding 11-1 record that topped the Sun Belt East division. Cignetti’s success earned him a head coaching role at Indiana, where he currently leads the Hoosiers to a top playoff ranking.

Bob Chesney, who succeeded Cignetti, maintained JMU’s high standards with back-to-back successful seasons, including an 8-0 conference record in the current year. His achievements paved the way for his move to UCLA.

By bringing in Napier, James Madison aims to sustain its competitive momentum in the Sun Belt. Napier’s proven track record in the conference makes him a strategic choice to continue the Dukes’ growth and maintain their status as a rising power in college football.