Coastal Carolina Chanticleers football

History

It was announced in the late 1990s that CCU would establish a football squad in the coming years. The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers football program played its inaugural season in 2003 on campus at Brooks Stadium. The team's first coach was David Bennett, who held the position from the team's inception until December 9, 2011.

In the program's short history, the team has defeated such traditional Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) powers as James Madison University (ranked No. 1 at the time), Furman University, Wofford College, and the University of Montana. The program has won seven Big South Conference championships and has had several former players enter professional NFL careers.

Coastal's primary football rivals in FCS play were Liberty and Charleston Southern.

Coastal Carolina's first season as a full FBS member was in 2017. In 2020, the team won a share of its first Sun Belt championship and made its first bowl appearance, a 37-34 defeat to rival Liberty in the Cure Bowl. Coastal won its first bowl game the following season, returning to the Cure Bowl and defeating Northern Illinois, 47-41.

David Bennett era (2003–2011)

In 2006, the Chanticleers made school history when the team received its first FCS playoff berth, also the first playoff berth for the Big South Conference, losing a first-round contest to Appalachian State. Appalachian State would go on to win the FCS national championship that season.

In 2010, Coastal went to the playoffs for the second time after winning the Big South Championship (a three-way tie with Liberty and Stony Brook) and received the Big South's first-ever automatic playoff bid.

On September 11, 2010, Coastal Carolina played a five-overtime game on the road against the Towson Tigers, the longest game in school history. Coastal would lose the game, 47–45.

Bennett was dismissed following the 2011 season. University president David A. DeCenzo cited a 29-28 record during the previous five seasons—including only three wins against teams with winning records—and declining attendance as reasons for Bennett's removal.

Joe Moglia era (2012–18)

The university named Joe Moglia, former CEO of TD Ameritrade, as its new head coach on December 20, 2011.

Moglia found immediate success, leading the Chanticleers to a share of three consecutive Big South titles in his first three seasons and playoff berths in each of his first four seasons. In 2014, the team earned its first number 1 FCS ranking in program history after starting the season 11-0.

The Chanticleers left the Big South Conference at the end of the 2015–16 school year and joined the Sun Belt Conference, initially as a non-football member. At that time, the football team began a two-year transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The first season of the transition in 2016 was spent as an FCS independent; the Chanticleers officially joined Sun Belt football July 1, 2017, with full bowl eligibility following in 2018.

The Chanticleers earned the program's first win as an FBS program when they defeated the UMass Minutemen, 38-28, on September 2, 2017. The team had a tough time winning games during the 2017 season, losing its next nine games. Ending the 2017 season on a positive note, Coastal Carolina earned the program's first two Sun Belt Conference wins in the final two weeks of the season, a 13–7 victory over the Idaho Vandals and a 28-17 win against the Georgia Southern Eagles. Coastal finished the year with a record of 3–9. The 2017 team was led by interim head coach Jamey Chadwell, during a medical leave of absence from Moglia.

Building from their momentum at the end of the 2017 season, Coastal Carolina finished the 2018 season with an improved record of 5–7, with notable wins against the UAB Blazers, Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns, and Georgia State Panthers. Moglia retired from coaching following the 2018 season.

Jamey Chadwell era (2019–22)

Jamey Chadwell was introduced as the program's third head coach on January 18, 2019. He had previously served as the team's offensive coordinator and as its interim head coach for the 2017 season.

2020 season

On October 14, 2020, Coastal Carolina got its first win against a ranked FBS team by defeating No. 21 Louisiana 30–27. Following the win, the AP ranked Coastal Carolina No. 25, making it their first time as a national ranked team. The same week, the College Football Playoff rankings listed Coastal at No. 20. For the remainder of the regular season, Coastal remained in the AP Top 25. Their highest AP ranking that year was #14 in the fourteenth week, with a CFP ranking of No. 18 the same week. Their original opponent for Week 14 (Dec 5th) was Liberty, but Liberty canceled the game citing concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Coastal’s new opponent for that week became No. 13 BYU.

The undefeated Chanticleers created national attention and interest in the team, and their matchup with BYU led ESPN to broadcast College GameDay from Conway on December 5. Coastal won 22–17, with the game ending when BYU was stopped one yard short of the goal-line. The victory resulted in Coastal Carolina ranked No. 11 by the AP Top 25 Rankings and No. 13 by the CFP Playoffs for Week 15. With the conference championship game scheduled for December 19, CCU was set up for another showdown with Louisiana. However, they would have to settle for a co-championship with Louisiana, with both named champions after the Chanticleers found themselves unable to play when a positive COVID-19 test was found within the CCU team.

Coastal ended its season against Liberty in the first bowl game in team history, the Cure Bowl, losing 37–34 in overtime.

2021 season

CCU was ranked No. 22 to start the season, and won their first six games to rise up to No. 15 before a loss to Appalachian State ended the streak. They won four of their next five games but finished second in the East Division. They were invited to the 2021 Cure Bowl where CCU defeated Northern Illinois 47-41 to earn the first bowl game victory in school history.{{cite web

2022 season

In 2022, Coastal finished 9-4, with losses to Troy in the Sun Belt championship game and East Carolina in the Birmingham Bowl. Prior to the bowl game, Chadwell announced that he was departing Coastal to accept the head coaching position at Liberty.

Tim Beck era (2023–2025)

On December 4, 2022, Tim Beck was announced as the program's fourth head coach following Chadwell's departure. Beck had most recently served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for NC State.

The Chanticleers went 8-5 during Beck's first season in 2023. The team ended the season with its second bowl victory in program history, a 24-14 win against San Jose State in the Hawaii Bowl.

Beck was fired on November 30, 2025, with the announcement coming after their final game against James Madison. The university determined a change was needed despite finishing bowl-eligible at 6-6 for two straight regular seasons.

Ryan Beard era (2026–present)

Ryan Beard was hired on December 11, 2025.

Conference affiliations

• Big South Conference (2003–2015)
• Sun Belt Conference (2016–present)

Championships

Conference championships

Coastal Carolina has won seven Big South Conference championships, winning two of them outright and five shared, and has won one Sun Belt Conference championship which was shared with Louisiana in the 2020 season. The 2020 Sun Belt Conference Football Championship Game was not played when Coastal Carolina was unable to participate due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

† Co-champions

Division championships

Coastal Carolina won their first division championship in the 2020 season.

^ The 2020 championship game was not played due to Coastal Carolina being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic

Rivalries

The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers football team has developed several rivalries since its inception. Here are some of the notable ones:

1. Appalachian State Mountaineers: This rivalry has grown as both teams have competed in the Sun Belt Conference. The games often carry significant implications for conference standings, making them highly anticipated matchups games between the two are often highly competitive.
2. Georgia Southern Eagles: Another key rival in the Sun Belt Conference, games against Georgia Southern are competitive and have a strong following among fans.
3. Liberty Flames: The rivalry with Liberty has been fueled by both teams' competitive spirit and proximity, creating an exciting atmosphere during their matchups.
4. South Carolina Gamecocks: Although not a traditional rivalry due to the difference in conference status and historical context, games against the Gamecocks are significant for Coastal Carolina, as they represent a chance to compete against a Power Five program.
5. The Citadel Bulldogs: This rivalry is rooted in the regional competition and has historical significance, as both teams have faced each other multiple times.

These rivalries contribute to the excitement of Coastal Carolina football and enhance the overall experience for players and fans alike.

Liberty

Main article: Coastal Carolina–Liberty football rivalry

Coastal Carolina maintains a football rivalry with Liberty which began in 2003. The teams played every year from 2003 to 2016 and met in the 2020 Cure Bowl.

Appalachian State

Main article: Appalachian State–Coastal Carolina football rivalry

The Football rivalry between the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers Football team and the Appalachian State Football team has been one of the most competitive rivalries in the Sun Belt Conference and a rivalry before Coastal Carolina joined the FBS.

History

The football rivalry between the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers and the Appalachian State Mountaineers began in 2005, however became big in 2017 following Coastal Carolina’s transition to the FBS and entry into the Sun Belt Conference. Since then, the series has featured competitive and closely contested matchups, with Appalachian State historically holding the upper hand early on. The first meeting ever in 2005 saw Coastal Carolina being held to only three points in a 30-3 away loss. The first meeting in the same division was played at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone, North Carolina, on October 21, 2017, and saw Appalachian State defeat Coastal Carolina 37–29. The following year, Coastal Carolina played at home at Brooks Stadium in Conway, South Carolina, but fell again, 23-7. This would be their first and only time they lost at home. In 2019, Appalachian State won 56–37 at home. In 2020, Coastal Carolina secured a 34–23 victory as the home team, their first in the rivalries' history. The 2021 contest in Boone ended with Appalachian State narrowly defeating Coastal Carolina 30–27. However, the series shifted as Coastal Carolina gained momentum, winning three consecutive games: in 2022, they defeated Appalachian State 35–28 at home; in 2023, they won a close 27–24 matchup on the road; and in 2024, Coastal Carolina achieved a decisive 38–24 victory at Brooks Stadium, marking their third straight win in the rivalry and improving their home record against Appalachian State to 3–1. In the most recent matchup on October 28, 2025, the Chanticleers won on the road 45-37. Overall, as of 2026, Appalachian State leads the rival series 7–5, but Coastal Carolina’s recent success has intensified the competition and elevated the rivalry within the Sun Belt Conference.

Postseason games

NCAA Division I FCS playoffs

Coastal Carolina made six appearances in the NCAA Division I Football Championship playoffs before moving to the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in 2017, going 4–6.

Bowl games

Coastal Carolina has participated in six bowl games, going 2–4.

Head coaches

Coastal Carolina has had five head coaches.

† Interim head coach in 2017 due to medical sabbatical taken by Joe Moglia.

^ Interim head coach for the 2022 Birmingham Bowl

Individual award winners

National award winners – coaches

• AP Coach of the Year :FBS National Coach of the Year :2020: Jamey Chadwell

• Home Depot Coach of the Year :FBS National Coach of the Year :2020: Jamey Chadwell

• Walter Camp Coach of the Year :FBS National Coach of the Year :2020: Jamey Chadwell

• Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year :FBS National Coach of the Year :2020: Jamey Chadwell

• George Munger Award :FBS National Coach of the Year :2020: Jamey Chadwell

• Sporting News 2020 Coach of the Year :FBS National Coach of the Year :2020: Jamey Chadwell

• CBS Sports/247Sports Coach of the Year :FBS National Coach of the Year :2020: Jamey Chadwell

• Paul Bear Bryant Group of 5 2020 Conference Coach of the Year :FBS National Coach of the Year :2020: Jamey Chadwell

• Eddie Robinson Award :FCS National Coach of the Year :2015: Joe Moglia

• AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year :FBS National Assistant Coach of the Year :2021: Newland Isaac

Big South Conference honors

• Male Athlete of the Year :2013–14: Lorenzo Taliaferro :2014–15: Quinn Backus
• Offensive Player of the Year :2004: Patrick Hall :2006: Tyler Thigpen :2013: Lorenzo Taliaferro :2014: Alex Ross :2015: De'Angelo Henderson
• Defensive Player of the Year :2010: Andrae Jacobs :2012: Quinn Backus :2013: Quinn Backus :2014: Quinn Backus
• Special Teams Player of the Year :2013: Ladarius Hawthorne :2015: Devin Brown
• Freshman of the Year :2004: Jerome Simpson
• Coach of the Year :2004: David Bennett :2010: David Bennett :2012: Joe Moglia :2014: Joe Moglia

Sun Belt Conference honors

• Player of the Year :2022: Grayson McCall :2021: Grayson McCall :2020: Grayson McCall
• Defensive Player of the Year :2020: Tarron Jackson
• Freshman of the Year :2022: Jared Brown :2020: Grayson McCall
• Newcomer of the Year :2020: D'Jordan Strong
• Coach of the Year :2020: Jamey Chadwell

Future non-conference opponents

Announced schedules as of October 30, 2025.

References

References

1. Sordelett, Damien. (December 20, 2020). "Rivalry renewed after all. Liberty, Coastal to meet in Cure Bowl". [[The News & Advance]].
2. Walls, Dave. (November 30, 2020). "Liberty football focused on preparation, not rivalry, ahead of Coastal Carolina showdown". [[WSET-TV]].
3. Morris, Julie. (September 28, 2016). "CCU ready for rivalry match up with Charleston Southern Saturday". [[WBTW]].
4. Chrampanis, Rich. (December 10, 2011). "Recap of David Bennett's dismissal at Coastal Carolina". [[WPDE-TV]].
5. Taylor, John. (December 21, 2011). "Coastal Carolina hires billionaire as its new head coach".
6. "Coastal Carolina Football Attains First #1 Ranking".
7. "Welcome to the Sun Belt, NCAA champ Coastal Carolina". USA TODAY.
8. "Coastal Carolina officially joins Sun Belt Conference – Sun Belt Conference".
9. (September 1, 2015). "Coastal Carolina to Join Sun Belt Conference". Sun Belt Conference.
10. (July 28, 2017). "Coastal's Moglia taking leave of absence, Jamey Chadwell named interim head coach". [[WCSC-TV]].
11. (January 19, 2019). "Chadwell becomes Coastal Carolina head coach as Moglia steps down". [[WCSC-TV]].
12. (October 5, 2020). "Coastal Carolina vs. Louisiana - Game Summary".
13. Low, Chris. (December 3, 2020). "BYU replaces Liberty against Coastal Carolina".
14. Judd, Brandon. (December 5, 2020). "BYU-Coastal Carolina took center stage on 'College GameDay.' Who did they pick to win?".
15. Everett, Ross. (December 17, 2020). "Sun Belt Championship Game Cancelled, Coastal Carolina and Louisiana Named Co-Champs".
16. (December 26, 2020). "Liberty vs. Coastal Carolina - Game Recap".
17. Blythe, Nathan. (December 18, 2021). "Coastal Carolina Tops NIU, 47-41, in Tailgreeter Cure Bowl".
18. (December 5, 2022). "A new era: Coastal Carolina introduces Tim Beck as head coach". [[WMBF]].
19. (November 30, 2025). "Bowl-eligible Coastal Carolina fires Tim Beck after 3 years". [[ESPN]].
20. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/47280912/coastal-carolina-hires-missouri-state-ryan-bears-head-coach
21. "Coastal Carolina vs. Louisiana canceled: Sun Belt crowns co-champions, title game called off due to COVID-19".
22. "BroBible's Post".
23. "Coastal Carolina wins close rivalry contest against Appalachian State".
24. "Appalachian State 30-3 Coastal Carolina (Sep 17, 2005) Game Recap".
25. "Appalachian State 23-7 Coastal Carolina (Nov 3, 2018) Final Score".
26. "Appalachian State 56-37 Coastal Carolina (Sep 28, 2019) Final Score".
27. "Coastal Carolina 34-23 Appalachian State (Nov 21, 2020) Final Score".
28. "Appalachian State 30-27 Coastal Carolina (Oct 20, 2021) Final Score".
29. "Coastal Carolina 35-28 Appalachian State (Nov 3, 2022) Final Score".
30. "Coastal Carolina 27-24 Appalachian State (Oct 10, 2023) Final Score".
31. "Coastal Carolina 38-24 App State (Nov 7, 2024) Final Score".
32. "Coastal Carolina 45-37 App State (Oct 18, 2025) Final Score".
33. (December 1, 2021). "AFCA Announces 2021 Assistant Coach of the Year Winners". American Football Coaches Association.
34. (December 1, 2022). "Sun Belt Announces 2022 Football Postseason Awards & All-Conference Teams". Sun Belt Conference.
35. (December 2, 2021). "Sun Belt Announces 2021 Football Postseason Awards & All-Conference Teams". Sun Belt Conference.
36. (December 21, 2020). "2020 Sun Belt Football Postseason Awards Announced". Sun Belt Conference.
37. "Coastal Carolina Chanticleers Football Future Schedules". FBSchedules.com.