Key Highlights
- JMU appears on the hunt for a new head football coach after Bob Chesney is reportedly headed to UCLA.
- The Dukes are expected to consider multiple candidates, including former Florida head coach Billy Napier and Kevin Cahill from Lehigh.
- Internal options like Colin Hitschler, JMU’s defensive coordinator, and past coaches such as DeLane Fitzgerald and Chennis Berry are also under consideration.
- Athletic Director Matt Roan will now have to make a high-profile hire after previously inheriting coaching positions at Nicholls State and Eastern Kentucky.
James Madison Football Coaching Search: A Deep Dive into Potential Candidates
The search for a new head football coach at James Madison University (JMU) is heating up, with multiple reports suggesting that Bob Chesney, who has been the Dukes’ coach since 2021, may be heading to UCLA. This development has prompted JMU officials to begin looking into potential replacements.
Internal and External Candidates
One of the first steps in this search involves considering internal candidates within the program. Colin Hitschler, currently serving as JMU’s defensive coordinator, is a name that comes up frequently. With a strong first season under his belt, Hitschler brings valuable experience to the table and could be seen as a potential in-house candidate.
Meanwhile, former Florida head coach Billy Napier and Kevin Cahill from Lehigh are among the external names being closely watched by JMU officials.
Napier’s success at Louisiana, where he won two Sun Belt championships and compiled an impressive record of 40-12, makes him a prime candidate.
Kevin Cahill, on the other hand, has enjoyed significant success at Lehigh, leading the Mountain Hawks to a perfect start this season. His ability to turn around a program could make him an attractive option for JMU.
A Look at Other Potential Candidates
JMU’s Athletic Director Matt Roan will also have his eyes on other names such as DeLane Fitzgerald, who has had remarkable success at Southern Utah and Frostburg State. His recent stint with UTEP saw him achieve back-to-back-to-back winning seasons, making him a formidable candidate.
Chennis Berry, another alum of JMU, has also been mentioned in discussions. With a track record of consistent wins and undefeated seasons, Berry could be a strong choice if Roan is looking for someone who can bring immediate success to the program.
Financial Considerations
In making these decisions, JMU’s Athletic Director Matt Roan will have to consider financial implications. Some candidates like Napier, Haines, and Hetherman could be looking for higher salaries than what JMU is willing to offer. This factor may limit the pool of potential hires.
Given that JMU has not traditionally been on the high end of salary offers, Roan may focus on finding a candidate who can balance financial considerations with the ability to lead the program to success.
The Future
The search for a new head coach is a critical process for JMU. With Bob Chesney leaving after two successful seasons, the Dukes need to find someone who can build on their recent successes and potentially secure a spot in the College Football Playoff. The upcoming candidates will have to demonstrate both the skill set and financial acumen necessary to lead the program forward.
As the search continues, JMU fans and supporters are eagerly watching to see which candidate will emerge as the next head coach of the Dukes.
