Mark Byington is leaving JMU to join Vanderbilt after leading the Dukes to the NCAA Tournament in 2023-24. JMU will receive a $500,000 buyout for his departure. With Jeff Bourne retiring and the transfer portal open, it is crucial for JMU to quickly find a replacement for Byington.
JMU faces challenges in filling two important positions: an athletic director and a head men’s basketball coach. The university has already undergone significant changes with President Jonathan Alger announcing his departure and new head football coach Bob Chesney coming on board following Curt Cignetti’s departure for Indiana. The athletic department at JMU has seen key turnover at various levels.
