JMU Football: Curt Cignetti Named Sun Belt Coach of the Year

James Madison University head coach Curt Cignetti was recognized as the 2023 Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year on Thursday afternoon. Cignetti led James

© Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

James Madison University head coach Curt Cignetti was recognized as the 2023 Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year on Thursday afternoon.

Cignetti led James Madison to a 10-0 start and an 11-1 record, securing the Dukes highest-ever rankings in the AP Top 25 (No. 18) and  Coaches Poll (No. 21) in the process. JMU also earned the first bowl berth in program history this season, despite the Dukes originally being barred from the postseason due to FBS transition rules.

It's the second time that Cignetti has won a DI conference's coach of the year award after winning the Colonial Athletic Conerence's award in 2017

JMU also produced 13 All-Sun Belt honorees, more than any other team in the conference. QB Jordan McCloud and defensive lineman Jalen Green were also named SBC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, respectively. 

JMU are the first FBS-transitioning team ever to win 10 games over FBS opponents in a single season. They had eight wins over bowl-eligible teams this season, more than anyone in the country. 

The Dukes await their bowl destination, which should be announced following conference championship week.