Reports: James Madison to hire ex-Florida coach Billy Napier

Field Level Media|published: Thu 4th December, 19:11 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

James Madison will hire former Florida coach Billy Napier, according to multiple reports on Thursday evening.

The job at JMU came open this week when Bob Chesney was hired to be the new head coach at UCLA. Chesney is staying on to coach the Dukes against Troy on Friday night in the Sun Belt Conference championship game, and UCLA has agreed to allow him to continue if No. 25 JMU makes the College Football Playoff.

James Madison is not expected to comment on a new head coach until after Friday's game, with ESPN reporting a formal announcement is expected on Saturday.

Napier, 46, also was reported to be one of five candidates who interviewed to replace Jon Sumrall at Tulane. Sumrall took Napier's former position at Florida.

Florida fired Napier on Oct. 19 after a 3-4 start to his fourth season in Gainesville. He was 22-23 with the Gators, including 12-16 in the Southeastern Conference.

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. He posted a 40-12 mark with Louisiana (2018-21) and appeared in four Sun Belt title games, winning two.

--Field Level Media

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