“Y’all are going backwards” “Most hatable face in sports”: 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 is replacing Bob Chesney, after the latter accepted an offer from the UCLA Bruins.

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

A fan said, "Y’all are going backwards."

Another added, "Most hatable face in sports."

One wrote, "Hope jmu enjoys this championship they won last night cause that’s about to be your last one for a while."

Some fans were more enthusiastic.

One said, "SUN BELT BILLY."

Another wrote, "Coach Billy Madison!"

One chimed in, saying, "excited for you & JMU Coach Napier!"

Billy Napier’s Gators were 3-4 in 2025, and he was fired. His stint 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 featured in the Gasparilla Bowl and defeated the Tulane Green Wave. Napier is now attempting 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 ahead of the 2024 season. He was fresh off successful stints at Salve Regina, Assumption, and Holy Cross. Chesney joined a JMU team that posted an 11-2 record in the previous campaign.

Chesney performed admirably 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 crowning achievement 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 enters the building with large shoes to fill. The Dukes are fresh off one of their greatest ever seasons, and they won't settle for a drop off.

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