James Madison announced Thursday that it’s hiring former Holy Cross coach Bob Chesney to be the program’s new coach. He agreed to a five-year deal and replaces Curt Cignetti, who accepted the Indiana job after guiding the Dukes to a 11–1 record this season.
“We were methodical and intentional in casting a wide net to identify the next head coach of James Madison football, and I confidently believe that we found the total package in Bob Chesney,” James Madison athletic director Jeff Bourne said in a statement. “Ideally, we wanted a proven head coach with a track record of winning football games, both with frequency and against tough competition. We sought someone who would lead our young men to maximize their potential in all facets of life, including their off-the-field pursuits and academic success.”
Chesney touts an impressive 111–46 (.707) record as a coach during stints at Salve Regina, Assumption and Holy Cross since 2010. This past season, the Crusaders finished with a 7–4 record. Now, he’ll be tasked with leading a Dukes program during a pivotal transition.
James Madison is set to oppose Air Force (8–4) in the Armed Forces Bowl on Dec. 23 in Fort Worth, Texas. The Dukes received a bowl berth despite being in the process of transitioning to the FBS because of a shortage of bowl-eligible teams.
