Liberty University has named Jamey Chadwell as new head football coach

Liberty University has named Jamey Chadwell as its next head football coach.

The announcement comes only days after Hugh Freeze, who led the Flames for four seasons and tallied three bowl game victories, became the new coach at Auburn.

Chadwell led Coastal Carolina’s football program as head coach from 2017-2022. His transition to Liberty Mountain comes with a 5+ year contract at $4 million per year.

During his tenure with the Chanticleers, Chadwell tallied an overall winning record of 39-22, including a loss to Liberty in the 2020 Cure Bowl, a defeat that robbed Coastal of an otherwise undefeated season.

Coastal Carolina’s spectacular 2020 season earned Chadwell multiple coaching accolades, including the 2020 Walter Camp Coach of the Year, The Home Depot College Football Coach of the Year, Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year, Sporting News Coach of the Year, and many other impressive recognitions.

Chadwell has more than a decade of head coaching experience under his belt, serving at North Greenville (2009-11), Delta State (2012), Charleston Southern (2013-16), and Coastal Carolina (2017-22). Under Chadwell’s leadership, Coastal brought home its first bowl game victory in a 47-41 win over Northern Illinois in 2021. From Oct. 18, 2020, through Nov. 7, 2021, the Chanticleers were ranked in the top 25 Associated Press and USA Today Coaches polls each week.

Director of Athletics Ian McCaw welcomed Chadwell to Liberty at a press conference at Williams Stadium Sunday afternoon.

“When God opens a door, no man can close it. And when God closes a door, no man can open it,” said McCaw. “And we are very grateful that God has opened the doors to allow one of the very best football coaches in the country to come to Liberty University.”

At the press conference, Chadwell said that Liberty’s strong Christian mission was a key factor in his decision.

“I’d like to thank Ian and the administration for this unbelievable opportunity to be at Liberty University. I’m not only a believer. I’m a follower of Jesus Christ,” he said. “When you get an opportunity to impact people at the most prestigious institution of higher learning from a Christian background, Liberty University, you don’t pass that up.”

“I went to some public institutions, and I enjoyed those tremendously, but I was craving to be back in an environment like this,” he added. “I’m very privileged to be here and to be the head coach. It’s something I’ve dreamed about for a long time.”

Chadwell has been married for 17 years, and the couple has one son and two daughters.

Liberty is preparing for its fourth straight bowl game and has just accepted an invitation to participate in the 2022 Boca Raton Bowl versus the University of Toledo on Dec. 20. The game will be at 7:30 p.m. EST and televised on ESPN.