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 confidenc...