[broncosliberty]

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.

[cruzan_flame13]

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.'

[Ill flame]

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.

[cruzan_flame13]

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.

Without the national attention from our independent seasons, we definitely wouldn't have even had that undefeated season based on the roster and the little favor that swooped us into that NY6 spot that was more deserved to SMU (based on SOS). If you think CUSA helped us for the most part, then I have some skyscrapers that I have for cheap that I'd like to sell to you. CUSA is not much of a big step when it comes to conference ratings, once you remove basket ball. If that's what you care about, and not the main sport that mostly drive decisions for realignment, then enjoy this mediocre spot in limbo. A couple 4 stars who could easily leave later for many reasons at anytime is what you think is the boost for us having future opportunities, then enjoy this limbo. This new era of athletics is way different than ever before; CUSA is definitely now the stepping stone for the have nots and FCS dream schools. What's even interesting is that we've been struggling to compete with those schools when we were literally beating ACC/ etc schools. Of course, by your standards, a better conference for basketball will make the presidents of AAC/etc schools willingly eyeing us for next realignment

[broncosliberty]

It’s funny — when I wrote my original post, I didn’t expect it to turn into a debate about Conference USA. The conference isn’t the issue. My concern is Chadwell, the performance on the field, and the very clear downward trajectory this program is on.

With the transfer portal about to open, Ian McCaw must act quickly. Whether Chadwell stays or not, major staff changes are required. If Chadwell remains, he has to overhaul his coaching staff — especially defensively — or this slide is only going to continue.

Recruiting is another serious problem. McCaw has to be concerned with how poorly we are recruiting right now and how many recruits we’ve already lost. For a program with Liberty’s budget, facilities, and resources, this should not be happening.

Liberty is paying Chadwell millions of dollars, and we are not getting anywhere near the results that level of investment should produce. The return on investment simply isn’t there.

Chadwell may be losing his passion and belief in this program. His interviews don’t show the same energy or conviction we saw early on. That’s concerning for the direction of the team.


What do you all think needs to change first in order to get Liberty football back on track?
Staff changes? Recruiting? Culture? Something deeper?

[cruzan_flame13]

It’s funny — when I wrote my original post, I didn’t expect it to turn into a debate about Conference USA. The conference isn’t the issue. My concern is Chadwell, the performance on the field, and the very clear downward trajectory this program is on.

With the transfer portal about to open, Ian McCaw must act quickly. Whether Chadwell stays or not, major staff changes are required. If Chadwell remains, he has to overhaul his coaching staff — especially defensively — or this slide is only going to continue.

Recruiting is another serious problem. McCaw has to be concerned with how poorly we are recruiting right now and how many recruits we’ve already lost. For a program with Liberty’s budget, facilities, and resources, this should not be happening.

Liberty is paying Chadwell millions of dollars, and we are not getting anywhere near the results that level of investment should produce. The return on investment simply isn’t there.

Chadwell may be losing his passion and belief in this program. His interviews don’t show the same energy or conviction we saw early on. That’s concerning for the direction of the team.


What do you all think needs to change first in order to get Liberty football back on track?
Staff changes? Recruiting? Culture? Something deeper?

You state that being in this conference is not an issue, but it literally is a major factor. How many top recruits would want to come here when most of the games are against former FCS who are doing better than us in the weakest conference? Think about that. Clearly resources hasn't been a helping as much as we entered this conference; not including that NY6 season since there were still plenty of Freezes recruits on that team. It didn't work so much in the Big South; why would you expect it to be different in CUSA? Definitely not with Chad well and his staff. Honestly we'd need a coach/staff who has major charisma if folks would even come here along with some NIL benefits. It sure won't be because they want to play against CUSA schools. Lets be honest here.

[broncosliberty]

How is being in Conference USA the reason we have a losing record and a defense that can’t stop anyone right now? That doesn’t make sense. Coaching and recruiting are the real issues — not the conference.

Other schools in Conference USA have far fewer resources, smaller athletic budgets, and less overall support than Liberty… yet they’re performing better on the field. If being in C-USA was the problem, then those programs should be struggling just as badly. But they’re not.

[cruzan_flame13]

How is being in Conference USA the reason we have a losing record and a defense that can’t stop anyone right now? That doesn’t make sense. Coaching and recruiting are the real issues — not the conference.

Other schools in Conference USA have far fewer resources, smaller athletic budgets, and less overall support than Liberty… yet they’re performing better on the field. If being in C-USA was the problem, then those programs should be struggling just as badly. But they’re not.

The losing record was a process from the downgrade that occurred from being independent (playing a pretty decent schedule with P5's) to having the weakest schedule (no P5's and in the weakest football conference). You wonder why recruiting went down(major transfers) after Freeze/staff left? As for other schools, they could get some decent players from the portal who need a home for redemption or to show their skills. Most of the time those players are gone when the opportunity arises after that season and the cycle continues. That's why other CUSA teams (who are near predominant programs I might add like Jax State) look decent especiallyin conference play . I didn't even mention location of most of these schools which are in or really near big markets plus the less limitations players have at those schools when it comes to the typical college experience (compared to LU) . But hey, pretend like it's something else when the obvious is right there in our faces presently. Carry on.

[broncosliberty]

So you’re telling me that if we were in a better conference — or even still independent — that this current coaching staff would somehow have us more successful or competing for the College Football Playoff? That doesn’t add up.

The conference isn’t the issue.
This coaching staff is the issue.

We’re struggling against teams with a fraction of our budget, facilities, and resources. Moving to a tougher conference wouldn’t magically fix a defense that can’t stop anyone or a recruiting operation that has completely fallen off. If anything, it would expose these problems even more.

This isn’t about C-USA.
It’s about coaching, recruiting, development, and leadership.

[Ill flame]

I don't understand how anyone can watch us lose to FIU and MO ST and come to the conclusion that its CUSAs fault and not the coaching staff. Its the same logic that liberals use to conclude guns kill people and not the people using the guns. Based on recruiting rankings and recruits offer lists our high school recruiting has improved since we joined CUSA so that isn't the problem.

Freeze didn't necessarily beat out other programs for a lot of our top players during his tenure but he consistently found under recruited players then his assistants developed them. This coaching staff seems to struggle finding those diamonds in the rough then turning them into studs. Instead of Chadwells staff embracing the portal, players transfer away and they throw their hands up and blame the lack of success on the constant turnover which everyone is dealing with. With our resources the portal should be an asset used to poach top G5 and FCS talent and not an excuse for why we can't compete.

[WinterIsComing]

Two things can be true at the same time.

Moving into CUSA was overall a mistake. Yes, the program made it to the Siesta Bowl, but beyond a beat down of Biblical proportions, what did we get out of that experience? An uninspired schedule full of bad teams we struggle against compared to our exciting P5/Strong G5 Indy schedule. Bad yearly recruiting partially due to a bad conference. Multiple mid-week games that for several reasons are completely unwatchable.

I understand the reasoning for joining CUSA but the way we threw ourselves at it like we had no other options was gross. We did have other options.

We hired the wrong CCU coach. Should've lured Moglia out of retirement. We mistook Moglia's success for Chadwell's and here we are.

Hiring the HC from our formally manufactured rival (mid-late 2000's) that Liberty had eclipsed twice over never quite sat right. I was hopeful it would work, but was very lukewarm on the hire. Had a vey "kid brother" energy about it and frankly, it still does.

There is no fixing this. Buy Chadwell out. It is a bit tongue-and-cheek when I say we should try to get Freezin' 2: Electric Boogaloo, but I wouldn't be opposed. Regardless, cast a wide search net (which was easier when we were Indy) because there just has to be something better than this. Leave the search firms out of it.

How soon can we buy our way out of CUSA? I want to know McCaw's long range plan here. If moving to CUSA was of such utmost importance, how and when do we move to the next "stepping stone"? Why was it so much better than remaining Indy? Has it been worth it? Would we consider going back to Indy status? What is the next stepping stone? Another G5? Some 5D chess to get into a P5? What is the plan? Is there one? Or are we just hoping that in the next great realignment we find the next ladder rung admist all the smoke and chaos? Is that kind of blind hope realistic?

[cruzan_flame13]

Two things can be true at the same time.

Moving into CUSA was overall a mistake. Yes, the program made it to the Siesta Bowl, but beyond a beat down of Biblical proportions, what did we get out of that experience? An uninspired schedule full of bad teams we struggle against compared to our exciting P5/Strong G5 Indy schedule. Bad yearly recruiting partially due to a bad conference. Multiple mid-week games that for several reasons are completely unwatchable.

I understand the reasoning for joining CUSA but the way we threw ourselves at it like we had no other options was gross. We did have other options.

We hired the wrong CCU coach. Should've lured Moglia out of retirement. We mistook Moglia's success for Chadwell's and here we are.

Hiring the HC from our formally manufactured rival (mid-late 2000's) that Liberty had eclipsed twice over never quite sat right. I was hopeful it would work, but was very lukewarm on the hire. Had a vey "kid brother" energy about it and frankly, it still does.

There is no fixing this. Buy Chadwell out. It is a bit tongue-and-cheek when I say we should try to get Freezin' 2: Electric Boogaloo, but I wouldn't be opposed. Regardless, cast a wide search net (which was easier when we were Indy) because there just has to be something better than this. Leave the search firms out of it.

How soon can we buy our way out of CUSA? I want to know McCaw's long range plan here. If moving to CUSA was of such utmost importance, how and when do we move to the next "stepping stone"? Why was it so much better than remaining Indy? Has it been worth it? Would we consider going back to Indy status? What is the next stepping stone? Another G5? Some 5D chess to get into a P5? What is the plan? Is there one? Or are we just hoping that in the next great realignment we find the next ladder rung admist all the smoke and chaos? Is that kind of blind hope realistic?

You must be a liberal...

[WinterIsComing]

To dissect the coaching takes too much typing.

Big picture, we incorrectly attributed Moglia's success to Chadwell. Just as the real picture of what was going on at CCU under Chadwell was coming into focus we hired Chadwell and attributed Freeze's success to Chadwell as well. Now that the picture is coming into focus again, will we wait to make a move or strike now?

We made a mistake. Saw the mirage and thought it was the real deal. It happens. No big. Cut the check. Move on.