Written by Jack Fitzpatrick and Bennett Conlin
What a year it has been for JMU and defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill. The former ACC assistant spent just one year in Harrisonburg — he leaves to take an assistant role at Texas A&M and former head coach Mike Elko — but he He rose to prominence in one season.
The Dukes focused on defense during the 9-4 season, leading all Group 5 teams in forced turnovers (29). They held Western Kentucky’s high-powered offense to just 17 points in the program’s first bowl win, and Hemphill’s unit led the Sun Belt in sacks, scoring defense and rushing defense.
Who could JMU bring in to replace the turnover guru?Here are some of the top candidates.
external candidate
Brian Vaganek, Holy Cross defensive coordinator – Baganek took the defensive coordinator job at Holy Cross in 2024 after serving as the Crusaders’ linebackers coach and defensive run game coordinator for the previous seven seasons. The Crusaders ranked second in the Patriot League in scoring defense in 2024, although they were first in league play (16.5 points per game). Against Holy Cross in 2024, Patriot League opponents had a third-down conversion rate of just 32.1%. Vaganek is an obvious candidate given his familiarity with Chesney.
Scott James, UNH safeties coach, former HC defensive coordinator – James served as Holy Cross’ defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2023 and excelled in the role. Holy Cross led the FCS in total defense in 2021. He joined UNH in 2024 as the defensive pass game coordinator and safeties coach. The Wildcats were one of the top defenses in the CAA last fall. Like Vaganek, James could also be a candidate due to his connection to Chesney. Both James and Vaganek have years of experience as defensive coordinators.
Tripp Weaver, former Austin Peedy defensive coordinator – Weaver is a name JMU fans will recognize. He served as the team’s cornerbacks coach and recruiting coordinator from 2015 to 2017, helping lead Harrisonburg to a national championship alongside Mike Houston. He was an assistant at Western Carolina University before serving as the safeties coach with Mike Houston at ECU from 2020-2023. Last season, Weaver helped rebuild the Governors’ defense as Austin Peay’s DC. Similar to Hemphill, he runs an aggressive defensive style that likes to force turnovers. Austin Peay ranks 10th nationally in total interceptions (14) and 35th nationally in total turnovers (18).
Justin Stovall, Columbia defensive coordinator – Stovall is the defensive coordinator and associate head coach at Columbia in the Ivy League. Last season, he was the second-highest scoring defense caller in the FCS behind South Dakota State. Stovall has consistently tailored top-end defenses in the FCS and Ivy League.
Ross Pennypacker, Villanova defensive coordinator – Penny Packer is also the Villanova defensive line coach. He helped make Villanova a top-10 defensive unit since taking over defensive play-calling duties three seasons ago. Penny Packer is an experienced coach with ties to Pennsylvania.
Manny Rojas, Delaware State Defensive Coordinator – Served as defensive coordinator at Lafayette in 2019 and took over at Delaware DC in 2020. He turned the Blue Hens into a top-end unit not only in the CAA but in the entire FCS. Mr. Rojas also has extensive experience in this field. He played at Liberty, where he got his start as a coach and spent five seasons with the Spiders in Richmond.
Justin Wood, Richmond defensive coordinator – The Dukes have already acquired three Spiders (all offensive players) in the transfer portal. Would you like to receive coaching too? Wood spent the past nine seasons in Richmond, becoming a DC after the 2019 season. His Spiders ranked No. 8 in the nation in scoring defense in 2024. He knows Virginia well, having previously coached at VMI and Christopher Newport.
Jermall Brown, Mercer defensive coordinator – Brown, who served as Youngstown State’s defensive coordinator in 2022 and 2023, helped Mercer lead the FCS in forcing 34 turnovers in 2024. Mercer went 11-3 and also won a playoff game against Rhode Island. Brown’s defense was dominant, leading the nation in sacks and ranking in the top 10 in turnovers and third-down defense. They ranked in the top 20 in scoring defense and team pass efficiency defense.
Travis Knight, Wingate defensive coordinator – Knight will lead Division II’s fourth-highest scoring defense in 2024, and Chesney has also shown a desire to acquire talent from the lower levels.
Eric Fargo, Kutztown defensive coordinator – Led the No. 1 scorer in Division II in 2024.
internal candidate
Sam Daniels, defensive line coach – One of the few current coaches on the defensive side of the ball with experience as a defensive coordinator. Daniels was the defensive coordinator at The Apprentice School in Newport News in 2013. Daniels has received a lot of praise from his players, and the defensive line has been a huge bright spot in 2024. The former JMU star could be an interesting name to keep an eye on. Chesney wants to promote from within.
Eddie Whitley Jr., cornerbacks coach – Whitley joined the staff in 2020 and has coached safeties, rovers and now corners. Prior to his time at JMU, Whitley served as second coach and pass defense coordinator at Bridgewater for two years.
Do you want to restore it?
Mike Houston – Is that 10-year contract technically expired yet?
Brandon Staley – Why coach in the NFL when you can play in Harrisonburg?
Everett Withers – I know he will arrange the uniform combinations.
Bob Trott – JMU legend Bob Trott.
Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications
