Transition is not a new concept for Troy, not in the modern era. The Trojans' football program had humble beginnings at the NAIA level, and 30 years ago they were playing in Division II. They did not move up to the FBS level until 2001.
Head coach Larry Blakeney manned the helm for that entire transition, and he led the program to success (and titles) at the lower levels of college football. The start of Troy's FBS tenure under Blakeney went pretty well, all things considered, with a string of seasons with 8+ wins. The Trojans have been to a handful of bowls since 2001, which is hardly a bad run for a mid-major program.