When it comes to programs that have made a smooth and successful recent transition to the FBS level programs like Appalachian State and Coastal Carolina immediately come to mind.
Current Arizona defensive coordinator Don Brown picked up where Mark Whipple left off in his first stint with the program, taking the program to the the FCS national title game in 2006 to cap off a 13-2 season. That was followed by a 10-3 mark in 2007, both of which were really remarkable seasons, as we reflect back on them.
UMass made the transition to FBS and the MAC in 2012 under Charley Molnar and have struggled to find their bearings so far under the leadership of Whipple, who was unable to recreate the magic he had at the FCS level in his second stint with the program, and now Walt Bell. Whipple won four games in each of his last two seasons with the program in 2017 and 2018, and that has been the ceiling for the program as of recent.
The Minutemen program recently poured some money and resources into upgrading the inside of the football facility, arming Bell and his staff with some new things to show off to recruits and families.
Bell is 1-15 two seasons into the rebuilding of the program that now operates as an FBS Independent, but here's to hoping the upgraded facilities will help to lead to a turnaround for the Minutemen program.
The new entryway will catch the attention of folks with some clear Massachussets pride and the branding throughout the facility is impressive.
Check out what they did with the upgrades in the clip below.