James Madison University | Official Athletics Site
10/21/2026 3:00:00 PM | Football
HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison coach Billy Napier has been named to the Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Watch List, the American Heart Association announced on Wednesday.
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Napier is one of 28 coaches on the list, which is given each January to a college football coach for contributions that make the sport better for athletes and fans alike by demonstrating grit, integrity and a winning approach to coaching and life – both on and off the field.
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Despite more than 60 newcomers on the roster, the first-year coach has led JMU to its fifth 7-0 start in program history. The Dukes are the only 7-0 team in the FBS entering the week, and they are one of six unbeaten programs, including the only unblemished Group of Six team.
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JMU is one of eight programs to sit top-20 nationally in scoring offense and defense. The squad ranks No. 3 nationally with 42.9 points per game, as well as No. 19 with 16.0 points allowed per contest. What's more, the two units have worked together to produce a plus-7 turnover ratio through seven games, good for No. 11 in the nation.
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On special teams, JMU ranks No. 4 nationally in kick returns (35.43) and No. 8 in punt returns (19.00).
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The National Coach of the Year Award is one of five honors presented annually during the Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards Ceremony, presented by Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston, Texas. This year's ceremony, in its 41st year, will be held on January 27, 2027, in Houston and will air on CBS Sports Network.
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The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, presents the Bear Bryant Awards annually to celebrate excellence in coaching, to honor coach Bryant's legacy and to raise awareness and critical funds for its mission. The coaching legend died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement.
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Since its inception, the awards have united the football community in support of the Association's lifesaving work.
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JMU takes on App State in a Sun Belt Conference matchup on Thursday, Oct. 22, in Boone, North Carolina. Kickoff at Kidd Brewer Stadium is set for 7 p.m. ET, and the game will air live on ESPNU.
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Napier is one of 28 coaches on the list, which is given each January to a college football coach for contributions that make the sport better for athletes and fans alike by demonstrating grit, integrity and a winning approach to coaching and life – both on and off the field.
Â
Despite more than 60 newcomers on the roster, the first-year coach has led JMU to its fifth 7-0 start in program history. The Dukes are the only 7-0 team in the FBS entering the week, and they are one of six unbeaten programs, including the only unblemished Group of Six team.
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JMU is one of eight programs to sit top-20 nationally in scoring offense and defense. The squad ranks No. 3 nationally with 42.9 points per game, as well as No. 19 with 16.0 points allowed per contest. What's more, the two units have worked together to produce a plus-7 turnover ratio through seven games, good for No. 11 in the nation.
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On special teams, JMU ranks No. 4 nationally in kick returns (35.43) and No. 8 in punt returns (19.00).
Â
The National Coach of the Year Award is one of five honors presented annually during the Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards Ceremony, presented by Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston, Texas. This year's ceremony, in its 41st year, will be held on January 27, 2027, in Houston and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Â
The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, presents the Bear Bryant Awards annually to celebrate excellence in coaching, to honor coach Bryant's legacy and to raise awareness and critical funds for its mission. The coaching legend died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement.
Â
Since its inception, the awards have united the football community in support of the Association's lifesaving work.
Â
JMU takes on App State in a Sun Belt Conference matchup on Thursday, Oct. 22, in Boone, North Carolina. Kickoff at Kidd Brewer Stadium is set for 7 p.m. ET, and the game will air live on ESPNU.
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Monday, October 26
Monday, October 26
Monday, October 26
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