Report: Ex-Florida coach Billy Napier linked to JMU opening

Field Level Media|published: Thu 4th December, 13:27 2025

Sep 20, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier call for a timeout against the Miami Hurricanes during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Former Florida coach Billy Napier is a "person of interest" for the vacancy at James Madison, On3 reported Thursday.

The job at JMU came open this week when Bob Chesney was hired to be the new head coach at UCLA.

Napier, 46, also is reportedly one of five candidates who have interviewed to replace Jon Sumrall at Tulane. Sumrall took Napier's former position at Florida.

Florida fired Napier on Oct. 19 in the midst of his fourth season in Gainesville. He was 22-23 with the Gators.

Florida entered the season ranked No. 15 before losses to South Florida, LSU, Miami and Texas A&M.

Napier has a 62-35 overall coaching record after posting a 40-12 mark with Louisiana (2018-21).

--Field Level Media

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