Why Billy Napier and JMU Were a Perfect Fit for Each Other

The purple tie with the Duke Dogs on it that Billy Napier wore to his introductory press conference last week was a brand new addition to the next James Madison football coach's wardrobe.

But the purple sport coat he had on was actually purchased back over the summer. Maybe a sign that Napier was destined to take over the Dukes.

James Madison introduced Napier last week, all while its current coach is preparing the Dukes to face Oregon in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

Never have expectations for JMU been higher.

Napier knows that. It's part of the reason he chose to lead the purple and gold.

"The number one resource that we have at James Madison is that we have the best game day atmosphere in the country in G6 football," Napier said after his introductory press conference. "We have an incredible degree to offer. We have an incredible community and state and we certainly have enough resources from a rev share perspective to be competitive in our conference and more importantly at the top of group of six football. I wouldn't be sitting here if that wasn't the case."

Why was Napier the right fit for James Madison?

Napier is a coach with a proven record, both in the Sun Belt Conference at the Power Four level.

A former Alabama and Clemson assistant, he went 40-12 in four seasons at Louisiana, leading the Ragin' Cajuns to four Sun Belt West Division titles and two league championships.

He was a two-time conference coach of the year before leaving to take over at Florida in November 2021.

When Roan and other JMU officials went to Gainesville to meet Napier, the coach impressed them with his plans for staffing, roster management and style of play.

"Where others said, 'I think,' Billy could say, 'This is tried and true,'" Roan said. "He's a proven winner with an impressive pedigree. He's an amazing recruiter and retainer of talent. And most
importantly, he stands for the right things. He understands what a modern CFP-relevant program, year after year, must possess."

At 46, with three school-age children, and having already scratched the Power Four itch with the Gators, Napier may bring something to JMU that none of his predecessors since Mickey Matthews had – a desire to stay in Harrisonburg for a lengthy period of time.

"It's different for me because I've already made the transition once," Napier said. "And I think, just my kids and where they're at in life is part of that equation too. I've made more money than I ever dreamed of making. I'm truly coaching because I love football."

That was something school officials said came through in their conversations with Napier.

"He expressed to me that he really wanted a place that brings stability," JMU President Jim Schmidt said. "I would predict that Coach Napier will have a longer tenure than either of the last two coaches and I think it will be because of success and his vision."

The Dukes have played under four coaches from 2015-2025, none staying longer than Curt Cignetti's five-year run. Yet, each time, the program has been able to attract the next winning coach.

"I think all the buzz about Cignetti, and now Chesney, and all the coaches that have come before him, give people the confidence that there is something here in the water," Schmidt said. "And I would argue that it's the university culture. This is not the time to slow down or to pause."

Why was JMU the right for Napier?

Napier said the Dukes' substantial support of the program, passionate fanbase and track record of success were all among the reasons he decided to make the move to Harrisonburg.

"This place has what it takes to dominate the competition for sure," Napier said.

He helped assure that by negotiating more money for his assistants and for revenue sharing, and by directing any bonuses he earns into a discretionary fund for the athletic department.

"This is about building a sustainable program that can have continued success," Napier said. "And building systems and processes to where I can drive home every day and feel good about the type of team we can have next year."

Roan said JMU made it clear to Napier he would have the financial support to build on the program's recent success, including through the Dukes' contract offer.

"We're near the top of the conference for our head coaching position," Roan said. "What we're able to do to invest in our assistant coaches and support staff is at or near the very top. And we know probably the most important thing, that rev share number, is at the top and I think most importantly there it's not just leading our league but making us competitive in the entire Group of Six."

For Napier, who said he might not have left Louisiana if not for the emergence and impact of NIL money on the college game, the broader university and community were key attractions, as well.

On the Thursday before JMU beat Troy in the Sun Belt championship game, Napier flew to Virginia to tour campus and the city of Harrisonburg.

In a profession that can strain the work-life balance, Napier has found equilibrium. He pushed his introductory press conference back from Tuesday to Wednesday, so he could attend his son's school play.

And when he toured the school and community, it was largely with his family's quality of life in mind.

"It delivered," Napier said. "And for me that was about my wife, my kids, and visualizing what this was going to be like for them. I did my homework on the football program. I just wanted to get a feel for the community. All these people were telling me about it. I wanted to see it with my own two eyes."

It's why, like Roan and Schmidt, Napier could see himself wearing purple for years to come.

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