James Madison University

Coach Kuhn from UVA.

Curious if this this a:

A. Good guess

B. Rumor you are hearing

C. More than just a rumor with some source (understanding it can't be revealed)

I would be mightily surprised if JMU could put a package together that would entice Kuhn.

But I claim no inside information.

He would certainly be a game changer.

I'll go with Hedrick at RMC.  Pure speculation, I know nothing about him or his situation, just seems like a good young guy for the job. 

I bet Coach Ike is anxious to get back on the field.  Pure speculation.

I am agreeing with Midlo Dad (based on some stuff I heard about 2 years ago, reliable or not) and Phanatic (which was my first thought when I heard Coach Ike left VMI). 

Hopefully, to be named soon.  It has to be hard to recruit without a HC.  JMU is currently at the bottom of the CAA and has no where to go but up!

I agree with Midlo.  I would be shocked if Kuhn took the job.

I could see Coach Mac getting the nod before Kuhn. He is a former HC, recruiting guy and seems have more of the HC persona that you'd look for in leading a program. That said, I have no idea if he is a candidate. 

I really think this is a great job for someone. JMU should NEVER be at or near the bottom of their league as they have been. Good facilities, popular school, competitive tuition. I can't speak with a ton of authority on this but I'll say that I have rarely seen their coaches out on the showcase circuit. To be fair, not many coaches are flocking to the 'watered-down' version of today's showcase baseball, but I do see Redford, VCU, W&M, Tech quite a bit. JMU — it's a rare sight. 

On the surface, it seems like a natural for a coach from a major D1 to slide into a mid-major D1 HC slot. But for Kuhn, he's a part of a tremendous program, it would probably be a minor bump in salary (according to public records, a very minor bump), their children will attend UVA, they're living in Charlottesville, etc. I don't know why you would leave that, unless the move is to a top 25 program HC position.

Agreed, JMU is going to be a good job HC for someone.  Its got a lot of potential.  We never saw their recruiters in the field a few years ago much less out of the state at the big events....and it's not like they haven't needed pitching the last 5 years.  It can do nothing but go up.  

If you were Kuhn, would you leave UVA as pitching coach to be JMU HC for similiar pay....not a chance unless you were really unhappy.

I don't disagree with the fact that the move from UVa assistant to HC at JMU is probably a lateral move financially and maybe a step down in quality of life (kids, community, etc) but most assistant coaches long to run their own program. It would not surprise me to see a top-level assistant take the job - even at a pay cut. The question is - will there be evidence of a commitment to baseball? That's what it'll take to lure an up and comer. Now, whether one of the UVa guys could be lured away - agree that it's probably unlikely but you never know. I am extremely curious to see what they do. 

It would be highly unlikely that Coach Mac or Coach Kuhn would take the JMU job in my estimation.  Guys who are nationally recognized as the top assistant coaches at ACC or SEC schools don't typically leave to head to a mid-major.  They leave to go to a big-time school.  ie: Tim Corbin was jack Leggett's assistant for around a decade, turned down many opportunities until Vanderbilt came along and promised him a serious commitment to baseball... the rest we know.  Same with the guy who ascended to Corbin's spot at Clemson (Kevin O'Sullivan) - he only left Clemson once Florida came calling.

My point being, I would really only expect to see Coach Mac or Kuhn leave for a job like Kentucky, Wake Forest, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama.... Power conference schools that might need a change of course and would promise the world as far as a re-energized commitment to the baseball program.

Not for a mid-major. 

If I had to throw a name out there as pure speculation - Joe Raccuia might be a great get for them if they were promising 11.7 and further commitments to facilities (like a locker room on site....stuff like that).  W&M's staff could also be a good place to look for a young up and coming coach in Brian Murphy - knowing what I know about W&M's aversion to paying a living wage it wouldn't be too hard to convince them to boogie up 64 a hundred miles.

Wondering ... what about a guy like Tag Montague?  Or Brian Anderson?

Start by tracing the AD's lineage - many times this is where you will find the replacement.  I would agree with Racuia being a front runner.  No guarantees, but there is a relationship there and Radford has competed under him in a less than ideal situation.  

Raccuia is a good call. Didn't think about him Would he leave the alma mater? Next question is how much of a step up - if any - is the job at JMU? Big South is a good baseball league and getting better. Coastal and Liberty are national players — and heck, Radford is playing in that sandbox this spring. 

One of the top names is former Assistant Head Coach Jay Sullenger.  He was with the Dukes for 10 years and the program was 125 wins over losses during that time with three appearances in Regionals.  Great recruiter and a JMU grad.  He is coaching in California now.

Someone told me Saturday that Wayne Riser from Mary Washington.  I replied ... I don't believe that but time will tell all.

I don't doubt that someone told you that but….they are interviewing coaches from a different stratosphere than Coach Riser.