Billy Napier is returning to coaching sooner than many thought. James Madison University has hired the former Florida head coach on a five-year deal, according to multiple reports on December 4, 2025. This move takes Napier back to the level where he made his name, the Group of Five ranks he once dominated with Louisiana.
Many fans still remember his rough exit from Gainesville. Florida fired Napier on November 3 after a 5-7 season and a 22-23 overall record. He arrived three years earlier with great expectations, a top recruiting class, and a large contract. Unfortunately, things never came together as hoped.
Now he moves to JMU, a program that has thrived since moving up to FBS in 2022. The Dukes need a new coach since Bob Chesney left for UCLA. Napier is expected to be introduced this Saturday.
I watched Napier coach in person several times when he was at Louisiana. Cajun Field was electric every weekend. His teams played fast, hit hard, and usually avoided mistakes. He had a record of 40-12 there, won four straight West Division titles in the Sun Belt, and took the Ragin’ Cajuns to four bowl games. Many forget how successful he was at that level. Returning to a similar conference and a motivated program seems like a great opportunity.
Fans online are calling him Sun Belt Billy again. The jokes are everywhere, but the fit is real. James Madison has the resources, facilities, and ambition. Napier knows how to win outside the Power Four spotlight.
This hire will be a hot topic for days. Florida fans feel relieved. Louisiana fans are happy. Every Group of Five athletic director just saw the bar get raised.
Welcome back, coach. You may also be interested in: Washington NJ Resident John Korczukowski Mourns His Father Frank Korczukowski After Mental Health Struggles
