College football’s hottest coaching pipeline might start at FCS schools

James Madison University has emerged as a breeding ground for successful college football coaches, with a pipeline of talent that starts at its Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. Curt Cignetti, who coached at James Madison from 2017-2021, led the team to their first national championship in just his second year. Cignetti's success there is reflected in his current 33-2 record, with an undefeated start to the 2022 season.

His successor, Bob Chesney, previously coached at Division III schools and FCS programs before taking the James Madison job. In just two seasons, Chesney has amassed a 21-6 record. Notably, Chesney's team has demonstrated a fighting spirit similar to Cignetti's, putting them in contention for a Big Ten title. The success of these coaches from FCS schools highlights the potential for success at higher levels of college football.