NEW ORLEANS — James Madison University (JMU) confirmed that former Florida head coach Billy Napier will take over the Dukes football program. Napier, who led Louisiana‑Lafayette to back‑to‑back Sun Belt titles in 2020 and 2021, was hired after JMU’s previous coach, Bob Chesney, accepted the UCLA job.
Napier’s return to the Sun Belt
Napier said the offer was “humbling” and highlighted JMU’s plans to expand its stadium and build a new practice facility. He praised the university’s “alignment, commitment to winning, and forward‑thinking approach.” During his transition, Napier was given full access to the program in December, allowing him to evaluate players and retain key personnel.
Current players, including preseason All‑Sun Belt defensive lineman Amar Thomas, noted Napier’s experience at SEC powerhouses Florida and Alabama. “You can tell he’s come from a higher level. He’s teaching us a lot,” Thomas said.
Louisiana Tech joins the Sun Belt
In a separate move, Louisiana Tech completed its transition from Conference USA to the Sun Belt, becoming the third Louisiana member alongside Louisiana‑Monroe and Louisiana‑Lafayette. The addition revives historic regional rivalries, with ULM coach Bryant Vincent expecting packed games that “you can’t put a price on.”
Sun Belt Commissioner Keith Gill called Tech an “ideal fit,” noting the conference’s regional focus with two divisions that keep travel distances short. Tech coach Sonny Cumbie said the move will save the program more than $1 million in travel costs, eliminating roughly 23,000 miles of travel each season.
Conference landscape
The Sun Belt’s West Division now includes the three Louisiana schools, South Alabama, Troy, Arkansas State, and Southern Miss. The East Division features Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina, JMU, Old Dominion, and Marshall. Gill said recent realignment has deepened rivalries and created compelling matchups that boost fan interest.
Since 2022, Sun Belt teams have recorded victories over all Power Five conferences and Notre Dame, with JMU becoming the first Sun Belt team to reach the College Football Playoff, though they fell to Oregon. Marshall coach Tony Gibson called the Sun Belt “the best non‑power conference.”
Recruiting and roster turnover
Napier noted that roster turnover is now a regular part of the league, with JMU bringing in a league‑high 63 new players for the 2026 season. He emphasized the need to recruit, develop, and retain talent while acknowledging that strong players often move on to Power Five programs.
Overall, the Sun Belt continues to grow its regional identity and competitive stature, with the addition of Louisiana Tech and the hiring of a seasoned coach like Napier signaling a bright future for college football in the Gulf Coast and beyond.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
