Chadwell Announces Football Coaching Staff Hires

Liberty Head Football Coach Jamey Chadwell has nearly completed his on-the-field coaching staff with today’s hiring announcement.

Chadwell brings with him his offensive staff from Coastal Carolina that helped the Chanticleers produce one of the most high-powered offenses in the country.

Over the last three years, Coastal Carolina has posted a 31-7 record, had a top-10 ranked offense and made three-straight bowl game appearances.

Transitioning from Coastal to Liberty Mountain are Willy Korn (Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach), Newland Isaac (Co-Offensive Coordinator/Running Backs Coach), Bill Durkin (Offensive Line Coach) and Cody Ladutko (Tight Ends Coach).

After spending the 2022 season at West Virginia, Tony Washington, who coached at Coastal in 2020-21, returns to Chadwell’s staff as Liberty’s new wide receivers coach.

Chadwell retained two members of the Flames’ 2022 defensive coaching staff that helped Liberty rank No. 1 in the country in tackles for a loss (9.3 per game), No. 3 in sacks (3.46 per game) and No. 11 in turnovers gained (24).

Co-Defensive Coordinator and Safeties Coach Jack Curtis remains in the same role for the Flames, while former Defensive Analyst Robert Bala has been promoted to the Flames’ new linebackers coach.

Curtis will share defensive play-calling duties with Skylor Magee, who also comes from Coastal Carolina and will serve as Liberty’s new Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach.

Rounding out today’s announcement is the addition of Kyle Krantz (Special Teams Coordinator/Outside Linebackers coach) and Chad Scott (Director of Football Speed, Strength and Conditioning).

Krantz comes to Liberty after serving as Special Teams analyst at Missouri, while Scott as on staff with Chadwell at Coastal Carolina in his same role on the Mountain.

Chadwell is expected to complete his on-the-field coaching staff next week with the announcement of Liberty’s new Cornerbacks coach.

2023 Liberty Football Assistant Coaches

Willy Korn

• Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach

Newland Isaac

• Co-Offensive Coordinator/Running Backs Coach

Bill Durkin

• Offensive Line Coach

Cody Ladutko

• Tight Ends Coach

Tony Washington

• Wide Receivers Coach

Jack Curtis

• Co-Defensive Coordinator/Safeties Coach

Skylor Magee

• Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach

Robert Bala

• Linebackers Coach

TBA

• Cornerbacks Coach

Kyle Krantz

• Special Teams Coordinator/Outside Linebackers Coach

Chad Scott

• Director of Football Speed, Strength and Conditioning

Willy Korn

Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach

Willy Korn helps bring Coastal Carolina’s high-powered offense to Liberty after serving the last six seasons on staff with the Chanticleers.

Korn was promoted to Co-Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach in 2019. He assisted the Chanticleers’ move from 5-7 in 2019 to posting a 31-7 record the last three seasons (11-1 in 2020; 11-2 in 2021; 9-4 in 2022).

In each of the past three seasons, the Chanticleers’ offense has also ranked in the top 10 nationally in multiple statistical categories.

In 2021, Coastal Carolina ranked No. 5 in the country in both total offense (494.7 yards per game) and in scoring offense (40.9 points per game). The Chanticleers also led the nation in team passing efficiency (192.01) and ranked No. 6 in rushing offense (228.8 yards per game).

Korn helped develop Grayson McCall into one of the best quarterbacks in the country. McCall was named the Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Year each of the last three seasons (2020-22).

McCall finished his time at Coastal Carolina throwing for 8,086 yards (559-of-792/70.6 percent), 78 touchdowns and only eight interceptions in 35 career games, and he set the NCAA FBS record for passing efficiency in 2021 (207.6).

Korn at a Glance

Coaching Experience:

• 2023 – Liberty (Co-OC/QB)
• 2019-22 – Coastal Carolina (Co-OC/QB)
• 2017-18 – Coastal Carolina (WR/KO)
• 2013-16 – Charleston Southern (WR/Rec. Coordinator)

Education: Bachelor's degree in communications (Clemson, '10)

Wife: Charlotte

Children: Maggie and Luke

Hometown: Lyman, S.C.

Newland Isaac

Co-Offensive Coordinator/Running Backs Coach

Named the 2021 AFCA FBS Assistant Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Newland Isaac was promoted to co-offensive coordinator in February 2019, and he has spent the last five seasons at Coastal Carolina.

Isaac has been in charge of the Chanticleers’ powerful rushing attack and has a long history with head coach Jamey Chadwell. Isaac worked under Chadwell for eight seasons over three stops, including Charleston Southern, Delta State and North Greenville before rejoining him at Coastal Carolina.

On top of being named the 2021 AFCA FBS Assistant Coach of the Year, Isaac was also a Broyles Award nominee.

In 2021, Coastal Carolina ranked No. 6 in the country in rushing offense, averaging 228.8 rushing yards per game. The Chanticleers also ranked No. 5 in the country in total offense (494.7 yards per game) and scoring offense (40.9 points per game).

The Chanticleers posted first-place finishes in the Sun Belt Conference in 2020 and 2022 (tied for first in East) and a 31-7 record over the last three seasons.

Isaac helped Coastal Carolina secure its first three FBS bowl game appearances at the 2020 and 2021 Cure Bowl and 2022 Birmingham Bowl, including a win over Northern Illinois, 47-41, in the 2021 Tailgreeter Cure Bowl.

Isaac at a Glance

Coaching Experience:

• 2023 – Liberty (Co-OC/RB)
• 2019-22 – Coastal Carolina (Co-OC/RB)
• 2018 – Coastal Carolina (RB)
• 2017 – Albany State (Asst. HC/Offensive Coordinator)
• 2013-16 – Charleston Southern (RB/TE)
• 2012 – Delta State (RB)
• 2009-11 – North Greenville (RB/WR)

Education: Bachelor's degree in physical education (Charleston Southern, '09); MBA (North Greenville, ’11)

Hometown: Hopkins, S.C.

Bill Durkin

Offensive Line Coach

Bill Durkin brings more than 20 years of coaching experience with him to Liberty Mountain where he will once again help guide Jamey Chadwell’s high-powered offense as the Flames’ new offensive line coach.

Durkin has a wealth of coaching experience on his resume, including stops at Coastal Carolina (2014-22), Bowling Green (2010-13), Hofstra (2008-09), Richmond (1997-07) and his alma mater UMass (1995-96).

In 2020, Durkin moved over to coaching the offensive line after working with the tight ends and offensive tackles in 2018 and 2019. He coached the running backs for four years from 2014-17 and worked with the PAT and field goal units for five seasons from 2014-18.

Behind a veteran offensive line unit that returned all five starters from a 2020 championship season, the Chanticleers outscored their opponents 532-281 on the season, including totaling 100-plus points in each quarter on the year in 2021.

Coastal Carolins’s offense was one of only two FBS teams to rank in the top 10 in both third-down conversion (No. 1) and fourth-down conversion percentage (No. 4) on the season. The Chanticleers were one of only two FBS teams in the top 30 in both rushing offense (No. 6) and passing offense (No. 28).

The Chanticleers’ offense finished the season ranked No. 1 nationally in team passing efficiency (192.01). Behind Durkin’s unit, quarterback Grayson McCall led the nation and set a new NCAA FBS single-season record with a passing efficiency rating of 207.6 on the year.

The offense also finished the season ranked No. 1 nationally in average yards per rush on the season (5.84) and in third down conversion percentage (53.8 percent), was second nationally in yards per play on offense (7.74) and ranked fourth nationally in fourth down conversion percentage (76.9 percent).

Durkin at a Glance

Coaching Experience:

• 2023 – Liberty (OL)
• 2020-22 – Coastal Carolina (OL)
• 2018-19 – Coastal Carolina (TE/OT)
• 2014-17 – Coastal Carolina (RB)
• 2010-13 – Bowling Green (OL)
• 2009 – Hofstra (Asst. HC/OL)
• 2008 – Hofstra (OL)
• 2004-07 – Richmond (OL)
• 2000-03 – Richmond (RB)
• 1997-99 – Richmond (TE/OT)
• 1995-96 – UMass (Strength and Conditioning)

Education: Bachelor's degree in marketing (UMass, '94)

Wife: Victoria

Children: Ryan and Rachel

Cody Ladutko

Tight Ends Coach

A student of Jamey Chadwell’s offense for the last five years, Cody Ladutko will continue working with Chadwell’s tight ends at Liberty.

Ladutko was promoted to tight ends coach in 2022 after serving the Chanticleers in a variety of roles from 2018 to 2021, including offensive analyst (2020-21), offensive graduate assistant (2019-20) and offensive quality control (2018-19).

Ladutko has worked under Flames’ new co-offensive coordinator Willy Korn for several seasons and worked specifically with the tight ends during the 2020-21 seasons.

Ladutko helped tight end Isaiah Likely earn All-Sun Belt first-team honors in 2020 and 2021 and FWAA All-America second-team honors in 2021.

Likely finished his four-year career at Coastal Carolina with 2,050 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns, including a standout senior year where he had 59 receptions for 912 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Likely was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 139^th overall selection.

Ladutko started his coaching career at Davidson College as the wide receivers coach from 2014-17 after playing professionally in Europe for the Orebro Black Knights (Sweden) in 2011 and Cannes Iron Mask (France) from 2012-13.

Ladutko at a Glance

Coaching Experience:

• 2023 – Liberty (TE)
• 2022 – Coastal Carolina (TE)
• 2020-21 – Coastal Carolina (Offensive Analyst)
• 2019-20 – Coastal Carolina (Offensive GA)
• 2018-19 – Coastal Carolina (Offensive Quality Control)
• 2014-17 – Davidson (WR)

Education: Bachelor's degree in coaching (Averett, '11), master's degree in instructional technology (Coastal Carolina, ’20)

Wife: Lindsay

Children: Cora and Deacon

Hometown: Harrisburg, N.C.

Tony Washington

Wide Receivers Coach

Tony Washington rejoined Jamey Chadwell’s staff after spending the 2022 season on the sidelines in Morgantown, W.Va. with the Mountaineers of West Virginia.

Washington helped coach Bryce Ford-Wheaton to All-Big 12 second-team honors where he finished the 2022 season with 62 receptions for 675 yards and seven touchdowns.

In total, Washington had three wide receivers finish the 2022 season with 500+ receiving yards (also Sam James – 745 yards, six touchdowns; Kaden Prather – 501 yards, three touchdowns). His wide receivers had a combined 20 receiving touchdowns.

During his first stint as a part of Chadwell’s staff, Washington helped Coastal Carolina post a combined 22-3 record during the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

The Chanticleers made the program’s first two bowl game appearances in 2020 and 2021, including a win over Northern Illinois, 47-41, in the 2021 Tailgreeter Cure Bowl.

In 2021, the Chanticleers’ offense was one of the most explosive units in the nation, ranking among the top FBS teams in a variety of categories.

Washington’s receivers were a vital part of the Chanticleer’s high-powered offense, as Jaivon Heiligh led the squad with 66 catches for 1,128 yards and seven touchdowns. Heiligh earned honorable mention All-America honors and All-Sun Belt Conference honors for the second straight year.

Washington at a Glance

Coaching Experience:

• 2023 – Liberty (WR)
• 2022 – West Virginia (WR)
• 2020-21 – Coastal Carolina (WR)
• 2019 – Louisville (GA)

Education: Bachelor's degree in architecture & design technology and construction management (Appalachian State, '13)

Wife: Tiffany

Children: TJ and Langston

Hometown: High Point, N.C.

Jack Curtis

Co-Defensive Coordinator/Safeties Coach

Jack Curtis remains on staff returns for his third season on Liberty Mountain after helping the Flames post top-25 ranked defenses each of the last two seasons.

As Co-Defensive Coordinator and Safeties coach, Curtis helped Liberty rank No. 11 in the country in 2021 in total defense (320.2) and No. 24 in scoring defense (21.5 points allowed per game).

In 2022, Liberty is ranked No. 1 in the country in tackles for a loss (9.3 per game) and No. 3 in sacks (3.46 per game). The Flames more than doubled their turnovers gained total in 2022 from the previous season and currently rank No. 11 in the country in turnovers gained (24) and No. 18 in passes intercepted (14).

Safety Robert Rahimi had a breakout season in 2022, earning Phil Steele All-Independent accolades. Rahimi ranks No. 10 in the country in total interceptions (5) and No. 15 in interceptions per game (0.4).

Safety Javon Scruggs, a 2020 Phil Steele All-Independent first-team selection, recently finished his standout five-year career with the Flames with 264 career tackles (146 solo, 118 assisted), 12 passes defended, seven forced fumbles, 15.5 tackles for a loss and four fumble recoveries.

Curtis also helped defensive end Durrell Johnson earn Walter Camp All-America second-team honors in 2022. Johnson set a new program single-season record and currently ranks No. 1 in the country with 27.5 tackles for a loss.

Curtis at a Glance

Coaching Experience:

• 2021-present – Liberty (Co-DC, S)
• 2016-20 – Tulane (DC/DB)
• 2011-15 – Georgia Southern (DC/DB)
• 2010 – Central Missouri (DC)
• 2009 – Memphis (S)
• 2002-08 – Arkansas State (DC/DB)
• 1994-2001 – Northwestern State (DB 1994-98; DC – 1999-01)
• 1993 – Western New Mexico (Sec.)
• 1989-92 – Mississippi State (1989-90 GA; 1991-92 Volunteer)
• 1988 – Henderson State (GA)
• 1987 – Evangel University (Student)

Education: Bachelor's degree (Evangel, '87); Master's degree in physical education (Henderson State, '90)

Wife: Michelle

Children: Carolina and Georganna

Hometown: Birmingham, Ala.

Skylor Magee

Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach

Skylor Magee comes to Liberty Mountain having already worked under head coach Jamey Chadwell at four previous schools.

Magee spent the last four seasons with Chadwell at Coastal Carolina, serving in the same capacity as he will with the Flames. He also worked under Chadwell at Charleston Southern (2013-16), Delta State (2012) and North Greenville (2009).

During his time at Coastal, Magee mentored three All-Americans in Tarron Jackson (2020), C.J. Brewer (2020 and 2021) and Josaiah Stewart (2021) and saw both Jackson and Brewer continue their careers in the NFL.

In 2021, Magee’s defensive line unit at Coastal Carolina continued to set the tone for one of the top defenses in all Group of 5.

With a veteran-led defense in 2021, the Chanticleers outscored all their opponents 532-281 on the season. Coastal Carolina was one of only four FBS teams in the country to rank in the top 25 in both total offense (No. 5) and total defense (No. 25).

The Chanticleers were also one of seven teams nationally in 2021 to rank in the top 30 in both most first downs on offense (No. 25) and fewest first downs allowed on defense (No. 27).

The defense ranked in the top 35 nationally in several categories, placing No. 16 in passing defense (190.3 yards per game), No. 25 in scoring defense (21.6 points per game), No. 25 in total defense (339.5 yards per game) and No. 32 in red zone defense (77.5 percent).

Magee at a Glance

Coaching Experience:

• 2023 – Liberty (Co-DC, DL)
• 2019-22 – Coastal Carolina (DL)
• 2017-18 – Georgia State (DL)
• 2013-16 – Charleston Southern (DL)
• 2012 – Delta State (DL)
• 2010-12 – Petal (Miss.) HS (DL)
• 2009 – North Greenville (Co-DC, DL)
• 2006-08 – Nichols State (DL)
• 2005 – South Carolina (GA)

Education: Bachelor's degree human performance and physiology (Southern Miss, '05)

Wife: Leslie

Children: Kayla, Gabby and Dax

Robert Bala

Linebackers Coach

After joining Liberty’s staff in January 2022, Robert Bala remains with the Flames and moves into a new role as linebackers coach.

During the 2022 season, Bala served as a defensive analyst, working specifically with Liberty’s safeties.

In 2022, Liberty is ranked No. 1 in the country in tackles for a loss (9.3 per game) and No. 3 in sacks (3.46 per game). The Flames more than doubled their turnovers gained total in 2022 from the previous season and currently rank No. 11 in the country in turnovers gained (24) and No. 18 in passes intercepted (14).

Safety Robert Rahimi had a breakout season in 2022, earning Phil Steele All-Independent accolades. Rahimi ranks No. 10 in the country in total interceptions (5) and No. 15 in interceptions per game (0.4).

Prior to coming to Liberty Mountain, Bala spent four seasons at Southern Utah (2018-21), where he worked with three different defensive units (cornerbacks, linebackers and safeties). He also served as defensive coordinator during the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Bala also spent time at Ottawa University Arizona (2017-18), Palomar College (2011-16) and Snow College (2009-10) and served as an linebacker/special teams intern with the Oakland Raiders during the 2014 season.

Bala at a Glance

Coaching Experience:

• 2023 – Liberty (LB)
• 2022 – Liberty (Defensive Analyst)
• 2021 – Southern Utah (DC/LB)
• 2020 – Southern Utah (DC/S)
• 2019 – Southern Utah (Co-ST Coord./CB)
• 2018 – Southern Utah (CB)
• 2017-18 – Ottawa University Arizona (ST Coord./S)
• 2016 – Palomar College (Co-DC/CB)
• 2015 – Palomar College (CB)
• 2014 – Oakland Raiders (LB/ST Intern)
• 2011-14 – Palomar College (LB)
• 2009-10 – Snow College (LB)

Education: Bachelor's degree in physical education (Southern Utah, '08); Master's degree in coaching and athletic administration (Concordia, '13)

Hometown: Oceanside, Calif.

Kyle Krantz

Special Teams Coordinator/Outside Linebackers Coach

Kyle Krantz brings Power Five coaching experience to Liberty Mountain after spending the last 12 seasons coaching at five different SEC programs.

Krantz spent the last two years working as a special teams analyst at Missouri. The Tigers blocked three kicks during the 2022 season (two kicks and one punt) and did not allow a kick or punt block. Missouri also ranks No. 1 in the country in fewest kickoff return yards allowed per return (13.64).

Krantz spent five seasons at South Carolina (2016-20), including the 2020 season where he served as special team coordinator.

During the 2018 season, his first as an on-field coach, Krantz shared in the responsibility for the development of true freshman defensive back Jaycee Horn. Horn earned a spot on the SEC All-Freshman team and was recognized by 247Sports as a midseason true freshman All-American.

In 2019, Krantz mentored Jammie Robinson, who earned SEC All-Freshman accolades, along with SAM linebacker Sherrod Greene, who showed tremendous improvement over the course of the season.

The Gamecocks’ special teams boasted a school record holder in punter Joseph Charlton, while ranking in the top 20 in net punting for a third-straight year. Placekicker Parker White was successful on 81.8 percent of his field goal attempts.

Krantz at a Glance

Coaching Experience:

• 2023 – Liberty (ST Coord./OLB)
• 2021-22 – Missouri (Special Teams Analyst)
• 2020 – South Carolina (ST Coord./DB)
• 2018-19 – South Carolina (Special Team Assistant/Nickel and SAM LB)
• 2016-17 – South Carolina (Defensive Analyst)
• 2015 – Auburn (Defensive Analyst)
• 2014 – Florida (Defensive QC)
• 2013 – Florida (Offensive QC)
• 2011-12 – Kentucky (GA)
• 2011 – Northwestern (Volunteer Offensive QC)
• 2009-10 – Northern Colorado (LB)
• 2007-08 – North Carolina (Student Assistant)

Education: Bachelor's degree in sociology (Northern Colorado, '09)

Wife: Brittany

Hometown: Denver, Colo.

Chad Scott

Director of Football Speed, Strength and Conditioning

Chad Scott has spent the last four years building the Coastal Carolina football program into one of the top Group of Five teams in the country.

During the last three seasons in Conway, Scott helped the Chanticleers have posted a 31-7 record, had a top-25 ranked offense and defense and made three-straight bowl game appearances.

Following a record-setting championship season for the football team in 2020, Scott was named the 2020 Football Scoop Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year presented by AstroTurf as selected by prior winners.

Scott came to Coastal Carolina in February 2019 after six years at Charleston Southern as the assistant athletic director for student-athlete development and the head strength and conditioning coach.

Scott, who had an important role in the development and implantation of the new Charleston Southern Athletic Performance Meeting Center, is in charge of the speed, strength and conditioning for the Chanticleers' football program.

While at CSU, Scott implemented and oversaw the strength and conditioning program for all 14 varsity teams, working closely with all programs and helping the Bucs win several Big South Conference championships including the 2012-13 and 2014-15 men's basketball titles, the 2014 softball championship, the 2015 women's tennis crown, the 2015 men's golf champion, and the 2015 and 2016 football championships.

Prior to his time at Charleston Southern, Scott spent five years at Eastern Kentucky University as the assistant strength and conditioning coach following his time as a graduate assistant at EKU. He helped fine-tune athletes that combined to win 20 Ohio Valley Conference Championships, including three in football (2007, 2008, and 2011), two in men's basketball (2005 and 2007), and one in women's basketball (2005).