Hugh Freeze left Liberty for Auburn, creating a fascinating opening at the Group of Five level. While technically an FBS independent, Liberty will join Conference USA next season.
The Flames have an abundance of resources, and they can outspend most Group of Five peers. The school is also polarizing, as religion plays a key role in Liberty’s university mission, and it will factor into the search. That’s not a factor at most other job openings.
“We have to have someone who’s a strong mission fit. Somebody who wants to train Champions for Christ and fits our university well,” Liberty Athletic Director Ian McCaw told the media. “We’re also looking for someone who’s a strong leader, CEO, culture builder of our program, we need someone who tactically is very skilled and a strong recruiter.”
Here’s a look at a few possible candidates for the job:
Tom Allen, Indiana
I’m not plugged into the inner workings of Liberty’s athletic department, but local media outlets and The Athletic each floated Allen as a candidate. He’s a top candidate for the job because he fits the criteria McCaw wants in his school’s head coach.
It could be tough to get Allen to willingly leave Indiana, as it’s a Big Ten school in the state he was born, but after strong seasons in 2019 and 2020, the Hoosiers have stunk in 2021 and 2022. If both sides are ready for a change, Allen has the energy and experience to be the “culture builder” McCaw wants.
Brandon Streeter, Clemson offensive coordinator
Streeter coached at Liberty from 2006-11, and he’s currently the offensive coordinator at Clemson. He’s worked at the top-tier ACC school since 2015.
While he lacks head coaching experience, Streeter has knowledge of Liberty, and he’s worked for one of the top programs in college football for over five years. There’s reason to believe he could help the Flames win consistently in C-USA, especially with a resources advantage over league peers.
Mike London, William & Mary head coach
Nobody knows Virginia quite like London. He’s been the head coach at Richmond, UVA, and William & Mary. Could he add Liberty to his resume?
This wouldn’t be a splashy hire, but London is widely respected in the business and possesses the leadership qualities to run the program. He could recruit well in the state, and he’s turned William & Mary around after a few down years. W&M is 10-1 this season with an FBS win over Charlotte.
Urban Meyer, former head coach
I know, I know. Meyer isn’t exactly loved by the casual college football fan, and his tenure as the Jacksonville Jaguars head coach was nothing short of a disaster. His reputation as a coach has never been lower, but he’s still found on-field success at the college level.
Hugh Freeze attempted to regain credibility by going to Liberty, and Auburn decided he was a good fit after winning with the Flames. Could Meyer do the same before making another run at a Power Five job?
Bobby Petrino, Missouri State head coach
Speaking of coaches with damaged images! Petrino makes the list because he’s won at multiple stops. He has significant head coaching experience, and he’d likely win a bunch of games. Some of McCaw’s comments are likely just lip service. Liberty wants to win games.
Deion Sanders, Jackson State head coach
Sanders wants to be a Power Five coach. What easier way to move to the Power Five than winning big at a Group of Five school with a giant financial advantage over its peers? If Sanders goes to Liberty and wins, he could turn that into a Power Five job in 1-2 years.
Sun Belt options
Coastal Carolina’s Jamey Chadwell, JMU’s Curt Cignetti, and South Alabama’s Kane Womack have been floated by numerous outlets as potential options. All three have a recent history of winning.
Bennett Conlin is a college football contributor for HERO Sports, and he works full-time covering sports betting industry news and legislation for Sports Handle and US Bets.
