The world of college football coaching hires is often predictable, drawing from a small pool of successful coordinators or established Group of Five head coaches. Yet, one university has unexpectedly emerged as a powerful, albeit unwilling, pipeline for Power Five programs: James Madison University (JMU). Following its highly successful, but short-lived, transition from the FCS ranks, JMU has watched two consecutive head coaches depart for major roles in just three seasons, a startling development that suggests the program has become the sport’s premier coaching proving ground.
Activewear
The initial shock came with the departure of Curt Cignetti. Cignetti successfully navigated the Dukes through their move to the FBS and the Sun Belt Conference. He capped his tenure by leading JMU to an immediate 11-1 record in 2023, showcasing a level of competitive readiness few expected from a transitional program. This success made him an immediate target. When he accepted the head coaching position at Indiana, it solidified the first instance of the emerging “JMU to Power Five” pipeline, specifically tapping into the Big Ten. Cignetti’s ability to build a winning culture and immediately translate it to the higher level of competition was seen by Power Five athletic directors as a high-value, de-risked hire.
The surprise intensified just weeks later with the rapid loss of Cignetti’s successor, Bob Chesney. While Chesney’s tenure was brief—accepting the JMU job and then almost immediately departing—his quick promotion to the head coaching role at Boston College reinforced the underlying pattern: JMU success is now synonymous with Power Five appeal. Though Boston College is in the ACC, the speed and caliber of the move confirmed that JMU is no longer just a great job; it’s a temporary launchpad. Chesney’s recruitment was clearly influenced by the Cignetti precedent, with other Power Five programs viewing the JMU post as uniquely positioned for quick elevation.
This phenomenon is not merely luck; it reflects JMU’s inherent advantages. The program benefits from a passionate, dedicated fanbase that consistently delivers a Power Five atmosphere, particularly for home games. Furthermore, the strong history of success, even at the FCS level, provides a template for quick wins. Coaches who succeed in such a demanding, high-expectations environment are immediately flagged as adaptable and resilient, making them top candidates for major rebuilds or program resets.
While the pattern of rapid turnover presents significant challenges for James Madison in terms of stability and continuity, it is also a powerful recruiting asset. The Dukes can now honestly tell incoming players and coaches that JMU offers the fastest route to the Power Five. The university has cemented its status as an elite incubator, producing not only championship-caliber teams but also the coaching talent necessary to manage major programs. Moving forward, JMU must learn to leverage this pattern to its advantage, perhaps by signing coaches to shorter, high-buyout contracts, ensuring the program is compensated handsomely for its role as college football’s unexpected, yet unmistakable, coaching pipeline.
