Flames Soccer Coach Kelly Findley announces retirement from coaching career

Following a career that spans more than two decades as a head coach on the pitch, Liberty Head Men’s Soccer Coach Kelly Findley has announced he will retire from coaching collegiate soccer at the end of the season.

At the completion of the 2025 season, Findley plans to join a movement called Coaches on Mission (COM) and the Pre-College Development Academy (PCDA).

Through the COM ministry opportunity, Findley will continue to live out his faith by encouraging, equipping and empowering coaches to live a life worthy of the Gospel and PCDA will keep him on the field and developing players for the next college generation.

During his 25 years as a head coach in collegiate soccer, including the last seven as the Flames head coach, Findley has compiled a 164-144-44 career record.

In addition to his time on the Mountain (2019-present), Findley also served as head coach at Mars Hill (1999-00), Butler (2006-10), and NC State (2011-16).

During his tenure, Findley helped instruct 18 all-conference honorees (ASUN Conference – 10; Ohio Valley Conference – 8), as well as 10 VaSID all-state selections.

“Coach Findley has been an outstanding mentor and coach, leaving a profound and lasting impact on our men’s soccer student-athletes,” Vice President and Director of Athletics Ian McCaw said. “We are deeply grateful for his dedication and contributions he has made to Liberty men’s soccer. We extend our heartfelt prayers and best wishes to him and his family for God’s continued favor and abundant blessings in the years to come.”

Five of Findley’s players were named to the CSC Academic All-District® teams, while Ruben Garcia was named the ASUN Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2019.

Findley had the unique privilege of coaching his son Gabe Findley for five seasons (2020-24). The midfielder was named ASUN Freshman of the Year during the Spring 2021 season and was twice named to the Ohio Valley Conference (2023-24).

Last year, Findley saw forward Michael Huss earn OVC Forward of the Year honors, while Aidan Morrison was named to the 2024 TopDrawerSoccer.com Top 20 Freshman listing.

“I am truly grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given, the incredible people I’ve worked with, and the joy that has come with all of it. I’ll forever be thankful for the ups, downs, lefts, and rights that come with the calling of a college coach,” Findley said.

“To the players, thank you for letting me be part of your journey. It has been one of my greatest honors to walk with you. I humbly ask forgiveness from those I may have driven too hard, been too demanding with, or if I put too much of a high priority on winning. I hope my time with you helped shape, stretch, and encourage you to become the man God created you to be.”