Liberty University Football: A History of Faith, Vision, and Gridiron Glory

Liberty University's football program, representing the private Christian institution in Lynchburg, Virginia, has a unique and inspiring history. From its humble beginnings in 1973 to its current status as a rising force in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the program's journey is a testament to vision, faith, and determination. The Flames compete in Conference USA.

The Genesis of a Vision (1971-1988)

In 1971, Jerry Falwell and Elmer L. Towns established Lynchburg Baptist College, later renamed Liberty Baptist College and eventually Liberty University. Falwell boldly declared his ambition to build an athletic program "comparable to USC, to Notre Dame, to Alabama, to anybody in time." This vision took its first step towards reality with the formation of the football team, which began play in 1973.

Early Years and Tragedy (1973-1977)

The team's inaugural game was a loss against Massanutten Military Academy on September 27, 1973. Tragedy struck shortly after the conclusion of the first season when head coach Lee "Rock" Royer died in a plane crash. Royer's life verse, Philippians 4:13 ("I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"), exemplified his dedication and faith. Assistant coach John Cartwright stepped in as the program's second head coach. In 1975, the school was renamed Liberty Baptist College, and the colors were changed to red, white, and blue. Tom Dowling became the program’s third head coach, taking over for the 1977 season.

Transition to NCAA and Division I-AA (1980-1988)

The early 1980s marked Liberty's entry into the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division II level. The Flames played their first NCAA I-AA (now FCS) opponent, James Madison, in 1980. In 1983, Liberty became a full member of NCAA Division II and joined the East Coast Athletic Conference.

Building a Foundation (1985-2005)

The mid-1980s presented both milestones and challenges.

Read also: Liberty University Fees

First NFL Draft Pick and a Devastating Flood (1985)

On May 1, 1985, wide receiver Fred Banks made history as the first Liberty player drafted into the NFL. However, tragedy struck on November 6, 1985, when the Flames' practice facility on Treasure Island was destroyed by a flood. Despite the devastation, the program persevered.

Rise to Division I-AA and a New Stadium (1988-2005)

Liberty officially became a member of NCAA I-AA on September 1, 1988, finishing its first year as a Division I program with an 8-3 record. Sam Rutigliano was named the fifth head football coach in December 1988. Groundbreaking for a new stadium, now known as Williams Stadium, took place in May 1989, and the stadium opened on October 21, 1989. In 1990, tight end Eric Green became the first Liberty player selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. Rutigliano retired in 2000, and in 2002, Liberty joined the Big South Conference.

Dominance in the Big South Conference (2006-2016)

The arrival of Danny Rocco as head coach in 2006 ushered in an era of unprecedented success in the Big South Conference.

A Conference Dynasty (2007-2014)

In 2007, Liberty captured its first Big South Conference title with a 31-0 victory over Gardner-Webb. The Flames ran their unbeaten Big South streak to 11 straight games, finishing back-to-back conference championship seasons with a 30-10 victory over Gardner-Webb in 2008. The Flames finished with a 10-2 record and were undefeated in conference play at 5-0. Liberty became the first team in Big South history to win five conference games in a season and joined Gardner-Webb as the only two teams to post consecutive unbeaten seasons.

Liberty continued its dominance, securing at least a share of the conference title in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014. The 2014 season was particularly memorable, as Liberty defeated No. 1 Coastal Carolina 15-14 to clinch a share of the Big South Conference championship and earn its first-ever FCS playoff berth. The Flames then defeated No. 15 James Madison in the first round before falling in the second round.

Read also: History of Liberty's Flames

Continued Success and Transition (2015-2016)

Liberty earned a conference co-championship again in 2016, marking their eighth conference championship. They finished the season 6-5, 4-1 in Big South play to share the conference championship with Charleston Southern.

Moving to FBS and a New Era (2017-Present)

Liberty's ambition to compete at the highest level of college football led to its decision to transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

Reclassification and the Freeze Era (2017-2022)

On February 16, 2017, Liberty received NCAA approval to begin the FBS reclassification process. After Gill helped guide the Flames to a 6-6 season he would leave the program. Hugh Freeze was named the ninth head coach in program history in December 2018.

In 2019, the Flames finished 8-5 and won their first bowl game as an FBS program. In 2020, after a 6-0 start, Liberty entered the AP Top 25 Poll for the first time in program history. They would open the season at 8-0 for the first time in program history while also knocking off in-state P5 opponent Virginia Tech during the campaign. Liberty won its second bowl win in a row, defeating No. 9 Coastal Carolina, 37-34, in overtime, in the 2020 Cure Bowl. The win capped a 10-1 season for the Flames, which tied a school record for wins in a season. Liberty finished the year ranked No. 17 in the AP poll and No. Under Freeze, Liberty achieved unprecedented success, including multiple bowl victories and national rankings.

The Chadwell Era Begins (2022-Present)

After Freeze's departure, Jamey Chadwell was named the head coach of the Liberty Flames on Dec. 4. Chadwell brought a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, having previously coached at Coastal Carolina, Charleston Southern, Delta State, and North Greenville.

In Jamey Chadwell's first season as the Flames' head coach, he led Liberty to an undefeated regular season and a Conference USA Championship over New Mexico State in Liberty's first season in Conference USA. Following the Championship win, Liberty got the Group of Five New Year's Six Bowl Bid. The Flames (13-0), ranked No. 23 in the College Football Playoff (CFP) poll, hope to ring in the New Year with promise by upsetting No.

Rivalries and Bowl Games

Liberty has established several football rivalries, including those with Coastal Carolina, James Madison, and Old Dominion. The Flames have participated in six bowl games since joining FBS in 2018, amassing a 3-3 record.

Notable Players and Coaches

Liberty's football program has produced numerous players who have gone on to professional careers, including Fred Banks, Eric Green, and Rashad Jennings. The program has also been guided by a number of dedicated and influential coaches, including Lee "Rock" Royer, Sam Rutigliano, Danny Rocco, Turner Gill, Hugh Freeze, and Jamey Chadwell.

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