According to multiple reports, the James Madison Dukes are close to making a hire. With Curt Cignetti leaving following the bowl game to take over the Indiana Hoosiers program, the Dukes had an opening following its second season as members of FBS.
Per Pete Thamel of ESPN, JMU is targeting current Holy Cross head coach Bob Chesney. Chesney has served as the head coach of the Crusaders football program since 2018. In that time, Chesney is 44-21 and 28-4 in Patriot League play.
Overall, as a head coach, Chesney is 111-46. His tenure spans three programs and dates back to 2010. He was named AFCA FCS Region 1 Coach of the Year in 2022. That year Holy Cross finished 12-1 and lost in the Division I Quarterfinals, it was his best season with the Crusaders.
This would be the first opportunity at the FBS level for the 46-year-old head coach. Chesney began his coaching career with Norwich University in Vermont when he collegiate playing career ended at Dickinson in 1999.
Sources: James Madison is targeting Holy Cross coach Bob Chesney to be the school’s next coach. A deal is expected to come together in the near future. He led Holy Cross to four FCS NCAA postseason bids. pic.twitter.com/GqrowCDHxk
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 7, 2023