CFB fans erupt as Billy Napier becomes JMU HC after disastrous Florida stint

Billy Napier has agreed to a deal to become the new head coach of the JMU Dukes. Napier replaces Bob Chesney, after he accepted an offer from the UCLA Bruins.

JMU announced Napier’s appointment on X (formerly Twitter) and college football fans took to the comments section.

A fan said“You’re all going backwards.”

Another addition“The most hated face in sports.”

One wrote“I hope jmu enjoys this championship they won last night because it’s about to be your last for a while.”

Some fans were more excited.

one said“SUN BELT BILLY”.

Another wrote“Coach Billy Madison!”

One intervened, saying“excited for you and JMU coach Napier!”

Billy Napier’s Gators went 3-4 in 2025 and he was fired. His tenure with the Gators was disappointing as the program never came close to a College Football Playoff berth.

Napier’s best season came in 2024, when he guided the Gators to a 7-5 regular season record. They participated in the Gasparilla Bowl and defeated the Tulane Green Wave. Napier is now trying to get his coaching career back on track at JMU.

Billy Napier looks to build on Bob Chesney’s JMU successes

Bob Chesney joined the JMU Dukes before the 2024 season. Finished with hits at Salve Regina, Assumption and Holy Cross. Chesney joined a JMU team that posted an 11-2 record last campaign.

Chesney had an admirable performance in the 2024 season and guided the program to an 8-4 regular season record. He then helped the program win the Boca Raton Bowl game against Western Kentucky.

Chesney’s greatest success came in 2025, when he guided the Dukes to a 12-1 record. They finished the season ranked in the AP Top 25, a rare feat for a Sun Belt Conference program.

Billy Napier enter the building with big shoes to fill. The Dukes are fresh off one of their best seasons and won’t settle for a layoff.

Additionally, this will be Napier’s first time coaching in the Sun Belt since the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. Fans will be hoping for the 11-1 Cajuns version of Napier instead of the 3-4 version that saw him fired from Florida after just seven games.