Bob Chesney Named Finalist for Prestigious Coach of the year Award

HOUSTON, Texas – James Madison University (JMU) Head Football Coach Bob Chesney has been recognized for a remarkable 2025 season, being named a finalist for the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award. This honor comes after leading the Dukes to their first Sun Belt Conference championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff.

A Season of Firsts for JMU Football

The 2025 season was a historic one for the Dukes under Coach Chesney’s leadership.JMU finished with an impressive 12-2 overall record,going undefeated in Sun Belt conference play with an 8-0 mark JMU Athletics. Their success culminated in a 31-14 victory over Troy in the Sun Belt Football Championship, earning them a No. 12 seed in the 2025-26 college Football Playoff.

JMU’s performance included an FBS-era record of 11 consecutive wins between September 20th and December 5th. The team concluded the season ranked #19 in both the AP and coaches polls. Chesney’s squad dominated the Sun Belt, leading the conference in scoring offense, scoring defense, total offense, and total defense, as well as both rushing offense and rushing defense.

Individual Accolades and Team Recognition

Beyond the team’s success, several JMU players received critically important recognition. Coach Chesney was named Sun Belt Coach of the Year, while Alonza Barnett earned Player of the Year honors. Trent Hendrick was named Defensive Player of the Year, and sahir West was recognized as Freshman of the Year. Wayne Knight, Hendrick, and Pat McMurtrie all secured FBS All-America honors, with Knight earning Second Team All-American status from four different organizations.

Chesney was also honored as the Bear Bryant Group of 6 Conference Coach of the Year, recognizing JMU as the top performing school among those in the Sun Belt, American, Conference USA, Mid-American, Mountain West, and Pac-12 conferences.

The Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the year Award

The Paul “Bear” bryant Coach of the Year Award, now in its 40th year, recognizes college football coaches who demonstrate grit, integrity, and a winning approach both on and off the field Bear Bryant Award. It is unique in that it is the only national coaching honor awarded after the national champion has been crowned.

The award is determined by votes from the National Sports Media Association, the Bryant Awards’ Executive Leadership Team, and the Bryant Family.

Looking Ahead

The winner of the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award will be announced on January 21st during an awards ceremony in houston. Chesney is among a distinguished group of finalists, including Curt Cignetti (Indiana), Mario Cristobal (Miami), Mike Elko (Texas A&M), Tony Elliott (Virginia), Dan Lanning (Oregon), Clark Lea (Vanderbilt), and Joey McGuire (Texas Tech).