Overview
- Napier was formally introduced as Bob Chesney’s successor and agreed to a contract guaranteeing $965,000 annually.
- The deal includes a $2.5 million buyout if he departs before the 2029 season, dropping to $1.75 million before 2030 and $1.25 million before 2032.
- Athletic director Matt Roan said staff compensation will be competitive and the program’s revenue-sharing percentage is the Sun Belt’s highest and competitive nationally.
- Chesney and his staff will coach the 12-1 Dukes in their first College Football Playoff game at Oregon on Dec. 20 before he departs for UCLA.
- Calling the next 90 days critical, Napier said he will prioritize retaining current players and hiring his staff, and reporting indicates an offensive coordinator will handle play-calling.