Billy Napier is headed to James Madison.

The former Florida head coach is set to sign a five-year deal with the school, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel .

Napier will replace Bob Chesney, who accepted a deal earlier this week to become the head coach at UCLA.

Florida head coach Billy Napier paces the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi State, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. AP

Chesney, who went 20-5 in two seasons at JMU, including an 11-1 record this season, is expected to coach the team through the Sun Belt championship game and a possible College Football Playoff run.

Napier gets a new job after a turbulent three-plus years in Gainesville , going 22-23.

After starting out 3-4 this season, Florida fired Napier, hav

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