With Curt Cignetti reportedly leaving for Indiana, James Madison University (JMU) is in search of a new head football coach for the 2024 season.
The program has seen success under recent hires, but can they find a suitable replacement quickly to maintain momentum? Let’s explore potential candidates for the vacant head coaching position.
Internal Hires:
Athletic Director Jeff Bourne deems an internal hire unlikely, with reports suggesting that Mike Shanahan, Bryant Haines, and Tino Sunseri will join Cignetti in Indiana. These names are excluded from consideration.
Home-Run Hire Potential:
Bob Chesney, Holy Cross:
Reports indicate strong interest, with a group led by Jeff Bourne flying to Worcester, Mass. Chesney, with an impressive record at Holy Cross, could be a front-runner.
Joe Harasymiak, Rutgers:
The defensive coordinator for Rutgers, Harasymiak, previously led Maine to a 10-win season. A rising coaching star, he could thrive with JMU’s resources.
Manny Diaz, Penn State:
Penn State’s defensive coordinator, Diaz, is reportedly in the mix. With prior head coaching experience at Miami, he brings a wealth of knowledge and success.
Other Names to Monitor:
Anthony Poindexter, Penn State:
Co-defensive coordinator at Penn State and a Virginia legend, Poindexter has expressed interest, known for his stellar recruiting skills.
Rich Rodriguez, Jacksonville State:
With vast coaching experience and success at FBS programs, Rodriguez could bring valuable expertise to JMU.
Reggie Barlow, XFL:
The reigning XFL Coach of the Year, Barlow, with a winning record as a college head coach, has expressed interest in the opening.
Willie Simmons, Florida A&M:
Impressive coaching record at Prairie View A&M and Florida A&M, Simmons has proven coaching abilities and success.
Drew Mehringer, Oregon:
A former JMU offensive coordinator, Mehringer, currently at Oregon, offers a unique, out-of-the-box choice for leadership.
Jerry Mack, Tennessee:
Running backs coach at Tennessee, Mack has head coaching experience and has been successful at North Carolina Central.
Jay Hill, BYU:
Currently the defensive coordinator at BYU, Hill has a strong coaching record at Weber State, presenting a potential new challenge at JMU.
DeLane Fitzgerald, Southern Utah University:
A JMU alum and former Dukes coach, Fitzgerald has expressed interest and has seen success at Southern Utah.
Bryan Stinespring, Roanoke College:
Although he recently took the head job at Roanoke College, Stinespring’s name is floated by former players, though his chances seem unlikely.
As JMU navigates this coaching change, the search for the right leader continues, with these candidates bringing diverse experiences and strengths to the table.
