The recent Sun Belt Conference face-off between the James Madison Dukes and the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers ended up being a pretty big deal for both squads. The Dukes absolutely steamrolled to a 59-10 win, capping off an impressive 2025 regular season and tossing their name into the College Football Playoff (CFP) conversation.
But that wasn’t the only headline. This game also signaled the end of Tim Beck’s run as Coastal Carolina’s head coach. Not long after the defeat, the Chanticleers made it official—they were moving on. So, what led to Beck’s exit, and where does Coastal Carolina go from here?
The End of Tim Beck’s Tenure
Tim Beck’s time with Coastal Carolina has been, well, unpredictable. He took over as head coach in 2023, and at first, things looked promising. There was a sense of hope, maybe even excitement, after that first season.
But things just didn’t build from there. The next two seasons both ended with 6-6 records, and that lopsided loss to James Madison was apparently the last straw. Coastal Carolina decided it was time to look for new leadership. Beck’s final record, 20-18, kind of sums up the inconsistency that followed him.
Performance Analysis
In 2025, Coastal Carolina just couldn’t keep up with the better teams. During their six losses, the Chanticleers got outscored by an average of 36.1 points. That’s not just losing—it’s getting run over, especially by Power 5 and top Group of 5 opponents.
It’s tough to ignore numbers like that. Athletic Director Chance Miller and the rest of the administration saw it too, and they decided it was time for a new direction. They want to get that competitive edge back, plain and simple.
Interim Leadership and Future Prospects
With Beck out, defensive coordinator Jeremiah Johnson steps in as interim head coach for the bowl game. Johnson’s got a big job—he needs to keep the team together and get them ready for one last shot this season.
After that, Coastal Carolina’s coaching search is on. They’ll be looking for someone who can actually bring the program back to where it used to be, or maybe even better. It won’t be a quick fix, but you never know—sometimes the right hire can change everything.
Challenges Ahead
The next head coach walks into a program with a history of winning since joining the Sun Belt in 2017. Coastal Carolina’s had its share of double-digit win seasons and made some noise in the Group of 5.
The expectation is to get back to that level and stay there. That’s going to take smart recruiting, player development, and a real plan for beating the top teams—not just hanging around and hoping for the best.
James Madison’s Dominance
On the other side, James Madison deserves a lot of credit. They didn’t just beat Coastal Carolina—they dominated in every phase. That 59-10 win was a statement, and honestly, it’s hard not to wonder how far they can go this postseason.
The Dukes have been rolling all year. This victory just adds to their case for a CFP spot. They’ve shown over and over that they can take over a game and keep the pressure on from start to finish.
Key Players and Moments
Against Coastal Carolina, several Dukes players stepped up big. The offense was clicking, and the defense barely gave the Chanticleers any breathing room. It’s been that kind of season for James Madison—big plays, lots of points, and a defense that just doesn’t let up.
They’re not just winning; they’re making it look easy at times. If you’re looking for a team to watch in the postseason, the Dukes are definitely in the mix.
Looking Ahead
Coastal Carolina’s at a crossroads now, searching for a coach who can bring back the good times. Jeremiah Johnson’s interim stint matters—it’ll set the tone for whatever comes next.
Meanwhile, James Madison keeps pushing forward, their eyes on a deep postseason run. The story’s far from over for either team.
The end of Tim Beck’s tenure at Coastal Carolina feels like a real crossroads for the program.
A new head coach is coming, and honestly, there’s a lot of hope riding on that change.
The Chanticleers want to get back to being one of the Sun Belt’s top teams.
Meanwhile, James Madison is still pushing to prove they belong in the CFP conversation.
Both programs have a lot to figure out in the next few months.
It’s going to be interesting to see how they handle whatever comes next.
If you’re curious and want the full scoop, check out the article on Newsweek.
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