Late Thursday, multiple reports began to surface that Liberty has focused its attention on Jamey Chadwell as the Flames look to find a replacement for departing head coach Hugh Freeze. ASOR can confirm the multiple outlets reporting that no deal is finalized at this time.

Chadwell is currently the head coach of the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, a position he has held for the past four seasons. He was 5-7 in his first season in 2019 before finishing 11-1 in 2020, 11-2 in 2021, and 9-2 this season. The Chanticleers play at Troy Saturday in the SunBelt Conference Championship game at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN.

“It’s going to need to proceed quickly, but we’re going to be diligent,” Liberty Director of Athletics Ian McCaw said in a press conference earlier this week. “We need to be thorough in our vetting process. We need to also be respectful of some of the programs that are playing this weekend, as well. There’s a lot of factors at play right now. Ultimately, if we can have a head coach in place by December 5th that would be a great outcome for Liberty.”

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Thursday night that “Liberty has targeted Coastal Carolina’s Jamey Chadwell to be the school’s next coach. There’s mutual interest, but deal is not done and Chadwell is waiting until after the Sun Belt title game to make a final decision.”

South Alabama head coach Kane Wommack was also linked to the Liberty job opening, but on Thursday it was announced that he had signed a contract extension and will remain in Mobile, Alabama.

Multiple sources also confirm that Indiana head coach Tom Allen expressed interest in the Liberty opening. While initial conversations were had between Allen and Liberty, the search is ongoing and fluid.

Following the departure of Hugh Freeze, Liberty Co-Defensive Coordinator and LB Coach Josh Aldridge has been named the interim head coach. As McCaw has turned his attention to the coaching search and finding the next head coach to lead the Liberty football program into the future, he has tasked Aldridge with guiding the team during the transition and through the bowl game.

“Really impressed with Josh,” said Liberty Director of Athletics Ian McCaw. “I think he’s going to serve us extremely well during this interim period and through the bowl game.”

The Flames, who finished the regular season at 8-4 following three straight losses after being ranked in the top 20, are awaiting their bowl game destination. Final word on where the team will play will come by Sunday when all the pairings are announced.

Stay tuned to ASeaofRed.com for additional updates.