Liberty extends Head Football Coach Hugh Freeze’s contract through 2026

In the midst of a season where Liberty Football is experiencing unprecedented success on the field and tremendous national exposure, Flames Nation has more incredible news to cheer about.

Today, Liberty University announced it has extended its contract with Flames Head Football Coach Hugh Freeze through the 2026 season.

Liberty has posted a 7-0 record in 2020, marking the best start to a season in the 48-year history of the program. In just its second full season at the FBS level, the Flames are currently ranked No. 22 in both the latest Associated Press and Amway Coaches Poll.

Liberty is coming off a thrilling last-second win over Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., last Saturday. The Flames secured its first-ever win over the Hokies, 38-35, on a 51-yard field goal by kicker Alex Barbir with one second left on the clock at Lane Stadium.

The Flames have won nine games in a row, dating back to last year, which is the second longest winning streak in the country at the FBS level behind Notre Dame.

Liberty is one of two FBS independents currently ranked in both top 25 polls. BYU moved to 8-0 this season with a convincing 51-17 win over No. 21/23 Boise State on Friday night. BYU is currently ranked No. 9 in the Associated Press poll and No. 8 in the Amway Coaches poll.

The 2020 season has showcased the strength of the FBS independent model in the current collegiate football world.

Notre Dame, who traditionally competes as an independent but is playing as a full member of the ACC conference in 2020, is ranked No. 2 in both polls after knocking off previously ranked No. 1 Clemson.

No. 9/8 BYU leads all FBS programs in the country with an 8-0 record, while a 6-1 Army program is ranked No. 25 in the latest Amway Coaches poll.

Since arriving on Liberty Mountain on Dec. 7, 2018, Freeze has quickly helped answer the question of whether Liberty can succeed at the FBS level.

The Flames capped their first season under Freeze with a 23-16 victory over Sun Belt Conference member Georgia Southern in the 2019 FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl on Dec. 21 at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Fla.

With the victory, Liberty became the third FBS transitioning team in NCAA history to win a bowl game during its first full season at the FBS level. Liberty posted an 8-5 record in 2019.

In 2020, Freeze has taken former Auburn quarterback Malik Willis and turned him into a rising star at the FBS level.

After not starting a game since his senior year of high school, Freeze has molded Willis into a player that was recently named to a national Player of the Year award watch list (CFPA National Performer of the Year Award).

Willis leads all FBS quarterbacks in rushing yards, having gained 603 yards on the ground this season. He is one of three FBS quarterbacks to rank among the nation’s top 20 in passing touchdowns and rushing touchdowns (also BYU’s Zach Wilson and Texas’s Sam Ehlinger).

“We are proud of Coach Freeze and the football program. This contract extension demonstrates my commitment and support of him and our program. Dr. Falwell’s vision was for Liberty to compete at the highest level of college football, and Coach Freeze is making great strides toward realizing the vision.”

— Jerry Prevo, Liberty University President

“Coach Freeze is a wonderful blessing to Liberty and we are grateful for his outstanding leadership of our football program and mentorship of our football student-athletes,” said Director of Athletics Ian McCaw. “All aspects of the program are on the rise including on-field performance, academics, recruiting, and operations.”

— Ian McCaw, Liberty University Director of Athletics

“I am thankful for the strong commitment and support from President Prevo and our leadership and look forward to continuing to build this program. Our family, along with the coaching staff, support personnel, and players, are grateful to have the opportunity to represent this University.”

— Hugh Freeze, Liberty University Head Football Coach