Billy Napier 'blown away' by James Madison alignment and vision since accepting job with Dukes

Billy Napier said he was “blown away” by James Madison’s alignment and vision within the football program. The former Florida coach accepted the head coaching job after it was announced Bob Chesney would depart for UCLA following their 2025 campaign.

It was a tough run for the man referred to as “Sun Belt Billy” in Gainesville, but he’ll get a fresh start back in the conference after four years. James Madison has produced Power Four coaches in Curt Cignetti (Indiana) and now Chesney (UCLA) after highly successful tenures with JMU. How long Napier will be with the program is anyone’s guess, but he called it an incredible opportunity.

James Madison is currently 12-1 after winning the Sun Belt. Napier will take over as head coach if JMU does not make the College Football Playoff. If they get a CFP bid, Chesney will see it through before going to LA.

“We are humbled and honored to accept this incredible opportunity to be the head football coach at the James Madison University,” Napier said. “I’ve been blown away with the alignment & vision at JMU. There is dynamic leadership in this administration. Our team, staff and entire organization will work daily to promote a program with integrity and class that will be a source of pride for all of us. More importantly, we will build a culture that is centered around making an impact on our players as people, as students and on the field as elite athletes.

“We embrace the expectations and are excited about the challenge ahead. We will assemble a special group of people and immediately get to work building a great program. I want to especially thank President Jim Schmidt, the Board of Visitors and Athletic Director Matt Roan. We look forward to getting to Harrisonburg and starting this journey. My wife Ali & our 3 children Annie, Sammy & Charlie are so excited about this next chapter. Go Dukes!”

Napier went 22-23 during his three-plus years in Gainesville prior to his departure this past season. His hiring at James Madison would mark a return to the Sun Belt Conference, where he previously coached at Louisiana before Florida hired him.

During his time with the Ragin’ Cajuns, Napier went 40-12 overall and 20-5 in Sun Belt play. The program won two conference titles and appeared in the league championship game every year of his tenure from 2018-21.