During his run with Coastal Carolina, Jamey Chadwell became one of the hottest Group of Five coaches, turning the Chanticleers into a nationally ranked top-25 program and hitting teams with an exotic option-style attack on offense.
With three straight seasons of winning nine or more games in the Sun Belt Conference, one would think Chadwell would take the leap and take a Power Five gig. Chadwell, though, did indeed take a leap of faith — but stayed in the G5 realm and took over the Liberty Flames.
What Was the Reason Behind Chadwell Taking Over Liberty?
Turns out Chadwell’s decision was indeed faith-driven.
With Liberty’s religious background, Chadwell became drawn to that aspect. He revealed how being a person of faith played into his decision to take Liberty following Coastal’s Sun Belt Conference title game loss to Troy in December 2022.
“I think any time you have opportunities at any other institution you pray through it,” Chadwell said to reporters. “I’m a person of faith, that’s important to me. And if I’m led to go somewhere else, I’ll go somewhere else. That’s the way I always try to do it. I don’t go for money. I don’t go for anything but where do I believe I can impact people in a positive way. That’s important to me.”
Chadwell then shared he became driven by religion in speaking with Liberty pastor Jonathan Falwell during his own playing career, during a time he was lying in a hospital bed recovering from a shattered ankle that jeopardized his playing status.
Was Money a Factor in Chadwell’s Decision?
Chadwell never came out and told the media that a bump in pay was another reason for leaving the Chanticleers for the Flames.
Although Liberty did manage to offer Chadwell a higher salary. While at Coastal Carolina, Chadwell’s base salary was under a million — $900,000, to be exact.
The deal he was rewarded by Liberty? One that handed him seven years worth $4 million each year.
But by leaving Coastal Carolina, Chadwell built a program that had gone 39-22 during his time there. And the highest the Chants ranked nationally under Chadwell was No. 14 overall.
How Has Chadwell Fared at Liberty?
So far, Chadwell is yet to experience defeat with the Flames.
The season began with a 34-24 edging of Bowling Green. Since then, Liberty is one of the few remaining undefeated teams and headed to the Conference USA Championship Game.
Chadwell has brought his famed pseudo-option offense over to Lynchburg, Virginia — the one that incorporates a triple option look with a vertical passing game. He’s reaching historic heights with the Flames and should continuously hear his name through the College Football Coaching Carousel this year.