CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Football at the University of North Alabama is going through a transition phase at the moment. A member of the Big South since only 2018, they haven't had much opportunity to get accustomed to FCS life.
The Lions didn't compete in the conference's spring football season, and haven't been able to contend for playoff positioning because of transition restrictions.
And now, with the ASUN opening its doors to football, the Lions are switching conferences after this fall season.
On top of all of that, on Monday, UNA welcomed new Athletics Director, Joshua Looney.
Back in March, Head Football Coach Chris Willis signed a contract extension through 2024. He's been a part of all of this, beginning with the initial transition from division II to division I.
Now with more changes on the horizon, Coach Willis is taking all of it in stride.
“The Big South has been really good to us,” Coach Willis explained. “It's bittersweet. You look up one day, you're in a transition, you're in the Big South. Now you're moving to another conference. For us, it is exciting times. We have a new athletic director. We're going through the last year of the transition. Next year we can compete for a playoff spot. Yeah, we'll be in a new conference. Geographically, I think it's a good conference for us because it's going to be closer to our home base. Some exciting teams coming in. Obviously, Kennesaw State being one of them, along with Jacksonville State, Central Ark. It'll be a fun time.”