HARRISONBURG — James Madison football is losing special teams coordinator John Bowers.

According to the school’s sports information director Chris Brooks, Bowers resigned and will take a job in California to be closer to family. Bowers’ son, Ross, is likely to be the starting quarterback at the University of California in the fall. A search for Bowers’ replacement is already underway.

Led by Bowers, the Dukes special teams thrived on the way to a national title in 2016.

JMU punt returner Rashard Davis was the CAA Special Teams Player of the Year and an All-American. Kicker Tyler Gray connected on a critical field goal that helped JMU win at North Dakota State in the national semifinal and JMU blocked a punt in the quarterfinal against Sam Houston State and another in the national championship game against Youngstown State.

In addition to his special teams role, Bowers also coached outside linebackers this past season and in 2015. Ex-Dukes coach Everett Withers initially hired Bowers to coach tight ends in 2014.

His most vital contribution might have come in the time between Withers’ departure and Houston’s arrival. Bowers was the director of player personnel during the transition and the primary contact for all prospects recruited by Withers’ staff. He helped Houston keep the 2016 recruiting class together.

Bowers is the second assistant coach from the 2016 staff to leave. Former offensive line coach Jamal Powell took the same job at Lamar in the spring. Houston replaced Powell with inside receivers and tight ends coach Fontel Mines. Run-game coordinator Bryan Stinespring was also given the offensive line coaching responsibilities.

JMU opens its 2017 campaign on Sept. 2 at East Carolina. ESPN announced Wednesday the game will kickoff at 6 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN3.