Billy Napier linked to multiple Group of 5 head coaching jobs, per reports
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Billy Napier’s time at Florida didn’t go as well as anyone had hoped. Napier posted a 22-23 record in Gainesville following a 40-12 mark at Louisiana. It has been a minute since he was dominating the Sun Belt, but the latter mark has made him a hot name on the job market once again.
According to multiple reports, Billy Napier is in the running to for multiple premier Group of 5 coaching jobs. CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz says Napier is a “person of interest” for the James Madison job. Meanwhile, NOLA.com’s Guerry Smith lists him as 1 of 4 remaining coaches who have interviewed for the Tulane gig.
James Madison’s current head coach, Bob Chesney, is heading to UCLA whenever the Dukes’ season concludes. Tulane’s coach, Jon Sumrall, is replacing Napier at Florida, but will also be finishing the season with the Green Wave before taking his new post.
Chesney and Sumrall earned their Power 4 gigs because they have their current schools in College Football Playoff contention. Napier never managed to get the Gators into the CFP hunt, but it’s clear James Madison and Tulane think he could help them keep their momentum. The Ragin’ Cajuns finished top-16 in both the 2020 and 2021 AP polls under Napier his final 2 years there, so there’s evidence to support their belief.
Both the Dukes and Green Wave host conference championship games on Friday night. JMU battles Troy for the Sun Belt Championship at 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN), while Tulane welcomes North Texas to town at 8:00 p.m. ET (ABC).
