James Madison Head Football Coach Curt Cignetti announced the promotion of Bryant Haines as the program’s new defensive coordinator and the hiring of Pat Kuntz as the new defensive line coach.
Haines has been with the Dukes for the past three seasons, coaching the linebackers while serving as co-defensive coordinator. Kuntz joins JMU after spending the past three seasons as the defensive line coach at VMI.
“I am excited for Bryant and what he can add to our defense,” Cignetti said. “He has a sharp defensive football mind, sees the big picture and is a quick thinker. His players have always been super prepared and among our most productive through the years. This will also give us continuity in scheme, which will be important as we transition to the Sun Belt.”
“Pat comes with extremely high recommendations!” Cignetti said. “He will be undertaking a critical role as defensive line coach. He has great passion, energy and is demanding. I couldn’t be more excited about his addition to our staff.”
As co-defensive coordinator, Haines mentored four linebackers to a combined six all-conference honors and two All-America awards since 2019. The JMU defense has ranked in the top 10 nationally in both total defense and scoring defense in each of his three seasons.
JMU led the country in total defense (270.2) in 2019 while also ranking third in scoring defense (15.7), rushing defense (74.8) and third-down defense (30%) and fifth in tackles for loss (8.5), as the Dukes reached the national championship game.
In the 2020-21 spring season, JMU was third in the FCS in rush defense (72.4) and interceptions (12) while ranking fifth in total defense (243.4), sixth in pass efficiency defense (100.74) and eighth in scoring defense (16.5).
This past season, JMU was top 10 in 10 separate defensive categories, which included the top spot in both turnover margin (+1.36) and turnovers forced (31). The Dukes were second in tackles for loss (8.2), third in fumble recoveries (13), fourth in interceptions (18) and fifth on third down (27.2%). They were also seventh in scoring defense (15.4), eighth in both total defense (275.2) and rushing defense (89.0) and 10th in pass efficiency defense (111.86).
Kuntz served as defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator for the Keydets since 2019. While in Lexington, he coached four players in his position group to All-Southern Conference accolades. He also assisted VMI’s defensive coordinator with third-down planning.
Prior to VMI, Kuntz was a graduate assistant at Indiana (2016-18), working with the defensive line. He began his career in 2010 at his high school alma mater, Roncalli High School in Indianapolis (2010-16).
Kuntz is a four-year letterwinner at Notre Dame (2005-08), starting three seasons at nose guard for the Fighting Irish. He was named Lineman of the Year in 2007 and 2008 and led the country in pass breakups by a defensive lineman in 2007. After graduating from Notre Dame in 2009, Kuntz signed as an undrafted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts.
In addition to Haines and Kuntz, Cignetti also announced that special teams coordinator and tight ends coach Grant Cain has been promoted to the role of assistant head coach.
