Coastal Carolina Secures Independence Bowl Berth

Myrtle Beach, SC, December 18, 2025

The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers have clinched a spot in the Independence Bowl following a successful regular season. This marks their sixth consecutive bowl appearance, showcasing the team’s commitment to athletic excellence. Under new head coach Ryan Beard, who has a strong track record, the Chanticleers will face off against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in Shreveport, Louisiana. This matchup not only highlights the achievements of the football program but also the positive impact on the Myrtle Beach community, boosting local tourism and economic activity.

Myrtle Beach, SC —

Coastal Carolina Secures Independence Bowl Berth

The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers are heading to Shreveport, Louisiana, for their sixth consecutive bowl appearance, marking a significant achievement for the program and ushering in a new chapter under recently appointed Head Coach Ryan Beard.

The announcement on December 7, 2025, confirmed the Chanticleers’ participation in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, reinforcing a consistent pattern of postseason success for the university. This consistent performance on the national stage highlights the program’s enduring commitment to athletic excellence and the positive impact it cultivates within the local community and beyond. The shift in leadership, with Coach Beard’s arrival on December 11, 2025, signifies a forward-looking approach, emphasizing the continuous pursuit of growth and competitive advantage in collegiate athletics.

Chanticleers Set for Shreveport Showdown

Coastal Carolina is slated to compete against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in the 49th edition of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl. The anticipated matchup is scheduled for Tuesday, December 30, 2025, with kickoff at 2:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. CT, broadcast live on ESPN. The game will take place at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana.

The Chanticleers concluded their 2025 regular season with an overall record of 6-6, including a 5-3 standing in the Sun Belt Conference. Their opponent, the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, enter the contest with a 7-5 record. This pairing promises a compelling display of collegiate football, showcasing the competitive spirit inherent in the sport. While Ryan Beard was announced as the new head coach, Jeremiah Johnson is slated to serve as interim head coach for the bowl game, managing the team through this immediate postseason challenge.

Local Impact and Economic Momentum in Myrtle Beach

The sustained success of Coastal Carolina athletics, epitomized by its sixth consecutive bowl berth, significantly elevates the profile of not only the university but also the entire Myrtle Beach region. The visibility gained from national televised events like the Independence Bowl acts as a powerful catalyst for local tourism and economic activity. When “college football in Myrtle Beach” thrives, it encourages visitors and media attention, generating a positive ripple effect throughout the local economy. Businesses, from hospitality to retail, experience increased patronage, driven by the excitement and community pride that accompanies a successful athletic program.

This success story underscores the value of private initiative and community support in fostering institutional growth. Investments from local businesses and dedicated fans directly contribute to the resources available for student-athletes and coaching staff, creating a virtuous cycle where athletic achievement fuels local economic prosperity. The energy surrounding “Myrtle Beach SC sports” programs like Coastal Carolina football exemplifies how a commitment to competition and excellence can unify a community and stimulate responsible, organic growth.

A New Chapter Under Coach Ryan Beard

Coastal Carolina University officially welcomed Ryan Beard as its new head football coach on December 11, 2025. Beard arrives with a notable track record, having most recently guided Missouri State to a 7-5 record in their inaugural FBS season in 2025. His tenure at Missouri State, where he served as head coach since December 2022, was marked by an emphasis on elevating teams and maximizing talent, leading to impressive turnarounds and a winning culture.

The appointment of Coach Beard represents a strategic move by Coastal Carolina to build upon its recent successes and inject new leadership into the program. His demonstrated ability to develop student-athletes and transition a program successfully aligns with the university’s aspirations for continued competitive achievement. This transition from former head coach Tim Beck, who led the Chanticleers to a 20-18 record and three bowl appearances over three seasons, highlights the dynamic nature of collegiate athletics and the continuous pursuit of an innovative, results-driven approach.

Sustaining Athletic Excellence and Community Investment

Achieving a sixth consecutive bowl appearance is a testament to Coastal Carolina’s commitment to building a robust and resilient athletic program. This consistent performance is not merely a product of on-field talent but also a reflection of strategic university programs, sustained private investment, and unwavering community efforts. The proactive engagement of alumni, local businesses, and individual donors provides the critical infrastructure and resources necessary to support student-athletes and coaching staff, fostering an environment where competitive success can flourish.

The culture of self-reliance and initiative within the Coastal Carolina athletic department has been instrumental in its ascent. By consistently striving for improvement and demonstrating a strong competitive spirit, the program exemplifies the rewards of dedication and focused effort. This ethos extends beyond the athletic fields, instilling values of perseverance and teamwork that resonate throughout the broader university and local community.

South Carolina’s Vibrant Collegiate Sports Scene

Coastal Carolina’s continued prominence in postseason play contributes significantly to the overall strength and visibility of college football in South Carolina. Alongside other respected institutions, including “University of South Carolina athletics”, the Chanticleers’ achievements enhance the state’s reputation as a hub for competitive collegiate sports. The friendly rivalry and shared pursuit of excellence among these programs foster a dynamic environment that benefits all student-athletes and sports enthusiasts across the state.

The success of individual programs like Coastal Carolina underscores the importance of fostering a diverse and competitive athletic landscape. It demonstrates how focused investment in sports can yield not only athletic victories but also a stronger sense of identity and shared purpose within various regions of the state. This collective dedication to initiative and responsible growth ensures a thriving future for collegiate sports in South Carolina.

Looking Ahead to the Independence Bowl

As Coastal Carolina prepares for its December 30 clash in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, the community rallies behind the Chanticleers, eager to witness another chapter in their remarkable athletic journey. This bowl game offers a prime opportunity for the team to conclude a challenging season with a victory and for Coach Ryan Beard to further integrate into the Chanticleer family as he begins to shape the program’s future. Supporters are encouraged to secure their tickets and demonstrate their enthusiastic backing for the student-athletes, continuing the tradition of robust community engagement that defines “college football in Myrtle Beach”.

FAQ Section

When will Coastal Carolina play in the Independence Bowl?
Coastal Carolina will play in the Independence Bowl on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Where is the Independence Bowl being held?
The Independence Bowl is being held at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Who is Coastal Carolina’s opponent in the Independence Bowl?
Coastal Carolina’s opponent in the Independence Bowl is the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.

What is Coastal Carolina’s record for the 2025 season?
Coastal Carolina’s record for the 2025 season is 6-6 overall.

Who is the new head coach for Coastal Carolina football?
Ryan Beard was hired as the new head coach for Coastal Carolina football on December 11, 2025.

Is this Coastal Carolina’s first bowl appearance?
No, this is Coastal Carolina’s sixth consecutive bowl appearance and sixth all-time.

Feature Table

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Chanticleers Begin Sun Belt Play Against Appalachian State
Chanticleers Battle Hard Against JMU in Sun Belt Opener
Myrtle Beach Gears Up for America 250 Celebration with Golf Events
Aiken: A Retiree’s Dream Destination with Great Golf
Gaffney High School Girls Golf Team Heads to Championship
West Virginia Men’s Soccer Upcoming Matches Scheduled
Myrtle Beach Seahawks Secure Victory Over Conway Tigers
West Virginia Men’s Soccer Faces Georgia Southern
Myrtle Beach Golf Enthusiasts Gear Up for Fall Classic 2025
Affordable East Coast Retirement Destinations for Golf Lovers

Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH

The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.