James Vargas joined the program after taking his first coaching job with the Mean Green in July 2019. The former University of Florida standout was a three-time All-American for the Gators and had a lengthy professional career, spending the majority of his time as a pro on the PGA Tour Latinoamerica circuit, where he competed from 2014-2017 and had two third-place finishes along with seven top-10 showings. He also played in three PGA Tour events and in eight events on the Web.com Tour, which is now known as the Korn Ferry Tour.
Vargas played under UNT head coach Brad Stracke’s guidance as a senior in college when Stracke was an assistant coach for the Gators for three seasons. In their one year together, Vargas was a third-team All-American and finished tied for 27th at the NCAA Championship.
Vargas was also a contestant on the Golf Channel reality show “Big Break,” when he appeared on the show’s 10th season in 2008.