Anything and everything about Liberty Flames football. Your comments on games, recruiting and the direction of the program as we move into new era.

Moderators: jcmanson, Sly Fox, BuryYourDuke, Class of 20Something

#667858
Hello Flames Nation,

I’m a proud Liberty University graduate and have followed Liberty Athletics closely since the Danny Rocco FCS era. Over the years we’ve seen great progress, growing expectations, and a fan base that truly believes Liberty can consistently compete at the highest levels. That’s why it’s disappointing to see so little discussion or excitement surrounding the football program right now.

After watching closely, here are my observations about the current direction under Coach Chadwell:

1. Loyal to a Fault – Especially on Defense
Chadwell’s commitment to his coordinators, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, has brought this team to a new low. The defensive scheme and execution have regressed significantly, and this staff has not shown the ability to develop players or adjust when needed. This loyalty is hurting the program.

2. Recruiting Has Taken a Major Step Back
Hugh Freeze proved that Liberty can recruit elite talent. Under Chadwell, recruiting has not only dropped off — it feels like the staff isn’t even trying to push into higher-level recruiting battles. For a program with our resources, that is unacceptable.

3. A Coach Who Looks Burned Out
In multiple interviews, Chadwell has openly stated he “lost his joy” after the large wave of transfers last season. Watching him speak to the media now, he genuinely looks unhappy and drained. If the head coach has lost passion, it’s nearly impossible for the program to move forward.

4. Liberty’s Investment Deserves Better Results
Our athletic budget, facilities, and financial commitment far exceed those of the programs we are struggling against. We are paying Chadwell millions of dollars, yet the results on the field do not match that level of investment or expectation.

My Plea to Ian McCaw
I strongly believe that changes must be made immediately if Liberty football is going to get back on track. I do not have confidence that Chadwell will remove underperforming staff or elevate recruiting to the level this program requires. Liberty has too much potential to settle for mediocrity.

We all want Liberty to succeed, and I hope the administration takes decisive action to restore the trajectory we were once on.
#667860
broncosliberty wrote: November 17th, 2025, 8:15 am Hello Flames Nation,

I’m a proud Liberty University graduate and have followed Liberty Athletics closely since the Danny Rocco FCS era. Over the years we’ve seen great progress, growing expectations, and a fan base that truly believes Liberty can consistently compete at the highest levels. That’s why it’s disappointing to see so little discussion or excitement surrounding the football program right now.

After watching closely, here are my observations about the current direction under Coach Chadwell:

1. Loyal to a Fault – Especially on Defense
Chadwell’s commitment to his coordinators, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, has brought this team to a new low. The defensive scheme and execution have regressed significantly, and this staff has not shown the ability to develop players or adjust when needed. This loyalty is hurting the program.

2. Recruiting Has Taken a Major Step Back
Hugh Freeze proved that Liberty can recruit elite talent. Under Chadwell, recruiting has not only dropped off — it feels like the staff isn’t even trying to push into higher-level recruiting battles. For a program with our resources, that is unacceptable.

3. A Coach Who Looks Burned Out
In multiple interviews, Chadwell has openly stated he “lost his joy” after the large wave of transfers last season. Watching him speak to the media now, he genuinely looks unhappy and drained. If the head coach has lost passion, it’s nearly impossible for the program to move forward.

4. Liberty’s Investment Deserves Better Results
Our athletic budget, facilities, and financial commitment far exceed those of the programs we are struggling against. We are paying Chadwell millions of dollars, yet the results on the field do not match that level of investment or expectation.

My Plea to Ian McCaw
I strongly believe that changes must be made immediately if Liberty football is going to get back on track. I do not have confidence that Chadwell will remove underperforming staff or elevate recruiting to the level this program requires. Liberty has too much potential to settle for mediocrity.

We all want Liberty to succeed, and I hope the administration takes decisive action to restore the trajectory we were once on.
I'll say the elephant in the room. Ever since we became a full member in this conference (CUSA) , we have downgrading slowly. Helping to boost the Olympic teams a little bit was never going to help us increase the trajectory of this program, especially for the long run. As I said before, we are in limbo, and the results of the team and response of the coach(s) is a prime example of that state that LU football will remain for a very long time if not forever. Could we get a better coach out there? Maybe. But it will just be a minor pit stop where a coach could get a high G6 payout and then leave after 2-3 seasons. We had something going a few years ago that placed us in the national spotlight continuously and LU sold it for a few shekels from the lowest undesirable conference just to feel 'belonged.'
#667861
cruzan_flame13 wrote: November 17th, 2025, 6:06 pm
broncosliberty wrote: November 17th, 2025, 8:15 am Hello Flames Nation,

I’m a proud Liberty University graduate and have followed Liberty Athletics closely since the Danny Rocco FCS era. Over the years we’ve seen great progress, growing expectations, and a fan base that truly believes Liberty can consistently compete at the highest levels. That’s why it’s disappointing to see so little discussion or excitement surrounding the football program right now.

After watching closely, here are my observations about the current direction under Coach Chadwell:

1. Loyal to a Fault – Especially on Defense
Chadwell’s commitment to his coordinators, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, has brought this team to a new low. The defensive scheme and execution have regressed significantly, and this staff has not shown the ability to develop players or adjust when needed. This loyalty is hurting the program.

2. Recruiting Has Taken a Major Step Back
Hugh Freeze proved that Liberty can recruit elite talent. Under Chadwell, recruiting has not only dropped off — it feels like the staff isn’t even trying to push into higher-level recruiting battles. For a program with our resources, that is unacceptable.

3. A Coach Who Looks Burned Out
In multiple interviews, Chadwell has openly stated he “lost his joy” after the large wave of transfers last season. Watching him speak to the media now, he genuinely looks unhappy and drained. If the head coach has lost passion, it’s nearly impossible for the program to move forward.

4. Liberty’s Investment Deserves Better Results
Our athletic budget, facilities, and financial commitment far exceed those of the programs we are struggling against. We are paying Chadwell millions of dollars, yet the results on the field do not match that level of investment or expectation.

My Plea to Ian McCaw
I strongly believe that changes must be made immediately if Liberty football is going to get back on track. I do not have confidence that Chadwell will remove underperforming staff or elevate recruiting to the level this program requires. Liberty has too much potential to settle for mediocrity.

We all want Liberty to succeed, and I hope the administration takes decisive action to restore the trajectory we were once on.
I'll say the elephant in the room. Ever since we became a full member in this conference (CUSA) , we have downgrading slowly. Helping to boost the Olympic teams a little bit was never going to help us increase the trajectory of this program, especially for the long run. As I said before, we are in limbo, and the results of the team and response of the coach(s) is a prime example of that state that LU football will remain for a very long time if not forever. Could we get a better coach out there? Maybe. But it will just be a minor pit stop where a coach could get a high G6 payout and then leave after 2-3 seasons. We had something going a few years ago that placed us in the national spotlight continuously and LU sold it for a few shekels from the lowest undesirable conference just to feel 'belonged.'
This isnt the first time i've seen you seemingly blame our mediocre football performance on CUSA. Without joining CUSA we never wouldve had a shot at a NY6/CFP appearance and even HCHF kept saying over and over not having a conference championship to play for was hurting recruiting before he left. Plus i think you're down playing how big of a step up in competition CUSA is compared to ASUN in the olympic sports. We hit our ceiling in the ASUN but basketball recruiting has been night and day better since moving up to CUSA. I haven't seen it talked about on here much but we currently have two 4* recruits committed in basketball.

You also seem to be ignoring that CUSA was always supposed to be a stepping stone. We will be much more palatable to better conferences in the next round of realignment compared to the last round even with this poor football performance and joining CUSA is a part of that.
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