Billy Napier is officially taking the reins at James Madison, and with the Dukes now out of the FCS playoffs, it’s full steam ahead for his next chapter. But as Napier starts assembling his staff, there’s a clear theme emerging: familiarity. Several of the names joining him in Harrisonburg are ones Gator fans know all too well - and not always for the right reasons.
Rob Sale Reunites with Napier
One of the most notable hires is Rob Sale, who will take over offensive line duties at James Madison. Sale was a key part of Napier’s staff at Florida, and he’s been with him at multiple stops. While Sale certainly had his moments - developing players like Jake Slaughter and Austin Barber - the overall performance of the offensive line in Gainesville was inconsistent at best.
The biggest knock wasn’t necessarily his coaching chops, but the approach. Sale often prioritized under-the-radar prospects, hoping to mold them into starters, rather than aggressively pursuing top-tier recruits or proven transfer portal talent. That strategy didn’t yield the results Florida needed, and it left many wondering if the Gators were leaving talent on the table.
Adding to the frustration for Florida fans was Napier’s decision to use two coaching slots on offensive line coaches - a move that drew criticism when the results didn’t back it up. Now, with Florida turning to Phil Trautwein - a coach with a more decorated resume - there’s a sense that the Gators have upgraded. Still, Napier is sticking with the guy he trusts.
Defensive Coordinator: Robert Bala
On the defensive side, Napier has tapped Robert Bala to run the show. Bala was with Florida as a linebackers coach in 2025, and while he’s bounced around in similar roles in recent years, his only previous experience as a defensive coordinator came at Southern Utah.
That 2021 season? A tough one.
The Thunderbirds went 1-10, gave up 30-plus points in eight games, and ended the year with a 62-0 loss.
That kind of résumé raises eyebrows, especially when you're stepping into a lead role at a program with postseason aspirations. But Napier clearly sees something in Bala - or at least values the continuity and trust that comes from working together in the past.
William Peagler Takes Over Running Backs
Another familiar face joining the Dukes is William Peagler, who will coach running backs in 2026. Peagler was the tight ends coach for Florida in 2022 and served as an offensive analyst this past season. While he’s been coaching since 2010, his direct experience as a running backs coach is limited - just two seasons in that role officially.
It’s another hire that leans heavily on shared history rather than a long résumé of success at the position. Napier is clearly betting on cohesion and buy-in over star power.
Jacob LaFrance Returns to the Sun Belt
Off the field, Napier has brought over Jacob LaFrance to serve as Associate Athletic Director for Football Personnel. LaFrance was previously Florida’s general manager and is known to fans for his “Sun Belt Billy and the boys” tweet after the Gators beat Texas - a line that now feels a bit ironic, considering both he and Napier are back in the Sun Belt.
Familiar Faces, Familiar Questions
What’s becoming clear is that Napier isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel at James Madison. He’s doubling down on the core group that helped him rise through the coaching ranks - even if that same group struggled to find sustained success in Gainesville.
This approach isn’t without risk. The staff’s track record at Florida left plenty to be desired, and now they’ll be tasked with elevating a James Madison program that has quickly become one of the most intriguing teams in the Group of Five. The Dukes have momentum, a passionate fanbase, and a recent run of success - but expectations are rising, and the margin for error is shrinking.
Napier’s betting that what didn’t work at Florida can still work elsewhere. He’s banking on trust, loyalty, and the belief that with the right tweaks, this staff can deliver. Now, it’s all about execution.
Time will tell if this reunion tour leads to redemption - or if the same mistakes will follow a new zip code.