JMU football has its new linebackers coach, according to multiple reports. 

The Dukes are bringing in former Robert Morris defensive coordinator Dave Plungas to coach the position group. He spent the last seven seasons as Colonials’ defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, and he’s expected to also work as JMU’s defensive run game coordinator in 2025, according to footballscoop.com.

Plungas replaces Zach Sparber, who left for the co-defensive coordinator position at Rutgers after one year with JMU. The Dukes’ new linebackers coach joins a defense under new leadership, as Colin Hitschler was named the team’s new defensive coordinator earlier this month. The former Alabama assistant replaces Lyle Hemphill, who spent just one season in Harrisonburg. Sparber had a previous connection to Hemphill, and Sparber’s JMU departure wasn’t totally unexpected after he didn’t land JMU’s DC gig despite being a top candidate this offseason. 

JMU seemingly landed a star coach to replace Sparber in Plungas, who helped Robert Morris lead the NEC in scoring defense (20.2 points per game) and passing efficiency defense in 2024. The Colonials were second in the conference in sacks (32) and 12th nationally in tackles for loss per game (7.2). Plungas’ experience at the coordinator position gives Hitschler another coach to bounce schematic ideas off in 2025, as the Dukes aim for a Sun Belt title. 

The Dukes return a couple standout linebackers for Plungas to work with in Trent Hendrick and Gannon Weathersby. Redshirt freshman Trashon Dye is expected to be a budding star at the position, and Shepherd transfer JT Kouame-Yao is likely to be in the Dukes’ rotation at linebacker. Redshirt senior Brandon Fique was listed on last year’s two-deep and could also factor into the mix in 2025.

Robert Morris had two linebackers surpass 100 tackles and 10 tackles for loss in 2024, as the Colonials’ linebackers were aggressive and productive under Plungas.

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications