Image courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications
Written by Bennett Conlin
Bob Chesney was officially introduced as the head coach of JMU football on December 7th and spoke to the media for the first time on December 12th.
Chesney has made many public appearances over the past 10 days, but he has also been hard at work behind the scenes scouting players, meeting with current players and hiring staff.
Major media outlets have reported on several of Mr. Chesney’s staffing staff. Let’s break down what we know so far about his staff.
offense
Dean Kennedy, OC – According to ESPN, Kennedy will follow Chesney from Holy Cross as the team’s offensive coordinator. Kennedy served as the Crusaders’ quarterbacks coach in 2022 before leading the Holy Cross offense in 2023. Prior to Holy Cross, he served as assistant quarterbacks coach at the University of Florida in 2021.
Holy Cross was the Patriot League’s leading scorer in 2023, averaging 36.9 points per game. The result was 7th in the nation.
Damien Roblewski, OL – Chesney will retain Wroblewski as the team’s offensive line coach, ESPN reported. A longtime assistant to Cignetti, he is a veteran coach with an impressive track record at Elon and JMU. He previously worked at Delaware State and Rutgers University, among others. Keeping him around should instantly strengthen the offensive line beyond 2024.
Defense/Special Teams
Drew Canaan, ST – Canaan is the special teams coordinator at Holy Cross and will take on the same role at JMU, according to ESPN. Holy Cross’ special teams unit has been one of the best at the FCS level for several seasons. The team led the FCS with eight kick blocks in 2022.
Sam Daniels, DL – Daniels was a two-time All-American during his time at JMU, coming to JMU after two seasons as defensive line coach at Delaware State. The Blue Hens made the playoffs in 2022 and 2023. He has also coached in cities such as Richmond, Howard and Bridgewater. He is familiar with the field (a plus in terms of recruiting) and is an experienced defensive line coach who will replace Pat Kuntz. ESPN reported the hire.
Eddie Whitley Jr., Rovers – According to ESPN, Whitley will be retained by Chesney as defensive backs coach. Whitley came to JMU in February 2020 and previously coached at Bridgewater. He knows the area well, which should help with recruitment.
Kyle Barnes, CB – Barnes served as Holy Cross’ cornerbacks coach in 2022 and 2023. His primary recruiting areas were Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia, making him a natural fit for Harrisonburg. He recently changed his social media profile to reflect his recruitment at JMU, which has not yet been officially announced.
Anthony DiMichele, hiring/undecided – DiMichele served as Holy Cross’ safeties coach in 2023 and also served as the team’s recruiting coordinator. Additionally, he previously coached running backs and special teams. His exact on-field role is yet to be determined, but he has a wealth of experience for a young coach and should play a key role in recruiting efforts. ESPN reported his transfer to JMU.