Former Florida football coach Billy Napier is making a return to the Sun Belt Conference with his imminent appointment as the head coach at James Madison. The news of Napier's move was reported by On3 Sports’ Pete Nakos and ESPN’s Pete Thamel. At just 46 years old, Napier brings a wealth of coaching experience despite his recent departure from the Florida Gators, where he compiled a record of 22-23 over three-plus seasons, marking the worst performance by a UF coach since the late 1940s.
Returning to the Sun Belt signifies a homecoming of sorts for Napier, who previously found success within the conference during his tenure at Louisiana. His impressive track record at Louisiana saw him achieve a commanding 40-12 record over four seasons, including clinching conference titles in 2020 and 2021, showcasing his adeptness as a program builder and strategist. With the move to James Madison, located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Napier will be tasked with rejuvenating his coaching career while taking the helm of a formidable football program.
Taking over from Bob Chesney, who recently accepted the head coaching position at UCLA, Napier will inherit a strong team at James Madison. The Dukes boast an impressive 11-1 record this season and are gearing up to face off against Troy in the conference title game on December 5. The transition from Chesney to Napier follows a series of successful coaching tenures at JMU, highlighting the university's commitment to excellence on the gridiron.
Before Chesney's tenure, James Madison was under the guidance of Curt Cignetti, who achieved an outstanding 52-9 record from 2019 to 2023 before orchestrating a remarkable turnaround at Indiana University. Cignetti's impact at Indiana is evident through the team's stellar 23-2 record and impending eligibility for a second consecutive College Football Playoff appearance. The resurgence of Indiana football under Cignetti's leadership underscores the profound influence a coach can have on a program's trajectory.
Napier's coaching journey began as an assistant at powerhouse Clemson, where he honed his skills as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Following his time with the Tigers, Napier held coaching positions at Colorado State, Alabama, and Arizona State before landing the head coaching role at Louisiana in 2018. His varied experiences across top-tier college programs have equipped him with the knowledge and expertise to navigate the challenges of leading a football program to success.
The transition to James Madison marks a pivotal moment in Napier's career, offering him an opportunity to make a lasting impact on a respected football program within the Group of 6 conferences. As he prepares to guide the Dukes through the next chapter of their football journey, Napier's proven track record and strategic acumen position him as a formidable asset for James Madison University. The impending appointment of Billy Napier signifies a promising new beginning for both the coach and the Dukes, setting the stage for a dynamic era in James Madison football.
