HOW ABOUT HOUSTON RETURNING TO JMU?

 What do I know? I’m only a kid … but …

Don’t be surprised if Jeff Bourne first reached out to Mike Houston 

in James Madison University’s sudden search for a football coach. I 

say this as an outsider, not knowing whether Bourne, JMU’s athletic 

director, and Houston were compatible during his first, ultra-

successful tour in Harrisonburg before leaving for East Carolina five 

years ago. Then again, why should that matter? Bourne previously 

announced his retirement, effective the end of the current school year.

Having taken the Dukes to the NCAA championship in 2016 and 

compiling a three-year record of 37-6, Houston followed the money 

and went to East Carolina where he’s had two winning seasons and an 

overall record of 24-34. He’s coming off a 2-10 campaign after losing 

his quarterback (among others) to the dreaded transfer portal … and, 

while his current boss recently gave Houston, 52, a vote of confidence 

that all too often becomes (cliché alert) the kiss of death.

You’ve got to believe he’s keeping his options open … and could be 

convinced to return to JMU which, regardless of whom Bourne hires, 

will have to up the ante considerably from the $700,000-plus salary 

outgoing coach Curt Cignettiwas paid. Houston went to ECU for 

$1.5M and, after 2021, got a new contract that reportedly averages 

$2.3M through 2026.

Now that JMU, in its second season of FBS football, is committed to 

playing with the big boys, the Dukes knew eventually they would have 

to pay coaches accordingly. Whether it’s Houston or someone else, the 

time has come.

Another interested party, who made a big name for himself in Virginia, 

could/should be Anthony Poindexter, former U.Va., All-American 

currently Penn State assistant. Two years ago he was said to be the 

leading candidate at his alma mater only to withdraw for reasons he 

never revealed publicly. Clemson’s offensive coordinator Tony Elliott 

got the job … and no one would be surprised if he wishes he had accepted Duke’s offer instead.

Mike Elko went to Duke … and now is in charge at Texas A&M 

where money has been no object. (See fired Jimbo Fisher getting a 

parting gift of $77 million.)

Come to think of it … why not Poindexter at Duke? In his first season 

as Penn State’s defensive coordinator after being fired as head coach at 

Miami, Fla.,Manny Diaz, reportedly has been interviewed for the 

position in Durham, N.C. The Nittany Lions led the country in defense 

under Diaz and Poindexter, who was responsible for the secondary.

BRIEFLY TOLD ….

Notre Dame said interested in Duke quarterback  Riley Leonard to 

replace one-and-done Sam Hartman, who came from Wake Forest. A 

dual-threat (running and passing), the 6-4 junior from Alabama 

entered the portal when Elko left for A&M where he previously served 

as defensive coordinator. Leonard didn’t play the last four games for 

the 7-5 Blue Devils because of toe injury. He could accompany Elko, 

too. Auburn, where former Liberty U., coach (2019-2022, 34-15) 

Hugh Freeze is in charge, also considered a possibility.

UNTIL NEXT TIME ....