Chesney Named a Finalist for Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award

DALLAS – James Madison Head Coach Bob Chesney has been named one of 12 finalists for the prestigious Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year, the Football Writers Association and the Allstate Sugar Bowl announced Tuesday.

The FWAA's National Coach of the Year will be chosen from among a list including last year's winner, three returning finalists and six first-time finalists.

Chesney guided JMU to a berth in the College Football playoff after going 12-1 overall with an 8-0 mark in Sun Belt Conference play. The run to the CFP was capped off by a 31-14 win over Troy to win the program's first Sun Belt Football Championship.

JMU, winners of 11 in a row, are the fifth-highest ranked conference champion and earned the No. 12 seed. The Dukes will face No. 5 Oregon in Eugene in the first round on Friday, Dec. 20.

This season, JMU ranks 10th in both scoring offense (37.3) and scoring defense (15.8). Defensively, the Dukes are second in both total defense (247.6) and rushing defense (76.2) and 12th against the pass (171.5). On the offensive side of the ball, JMU is sixth in rushing (245.8) and 22nd in total offense (448.3).

JMU is the only Group of Six program this year to go unbeaten against peer institutions, going 11-0, and enters the College Football Playoff with the second-longest active win streak in America.

The 12-1 record is the best record for JMU since joining the FBS and Sun Belt, as it became the first Sun Belt squad to reach the CFP in 2025.

The 2025 Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year will be unveiled on Tuesday, Dec. 16.

Eddie Robinson Award Finalists
Bob Chesney, James Madison
Curt Cignetti, Indiana
Ryan Day, Ohio State
Mike Elko, Texas A&M
Tony Elliott, Virginia
Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame
Clark Lea, Vanderbilt
Jerry Mack, Kennesaw State
Joey McGuire, Texas Tech
Jim More, UConn
Kirby Smart, Georgia
Jon Sumrall, Tulane

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