Liberty is hiring Cory Peoples as a defensive backs coach and defensive passing game coordinator, as reported by CBS’ Matt Zenitz. Peoples coached under Liberty head coach Jamey Chadwell for two seasons at Charleston Southern in 2014-15.

Peoples, a former South Carolina and NFL defensive back, was at Georgia Tech the past two seasons as defensive backs coach and helped the team finish 9-4 in 2025. Prior to his time in the ACC, Peoples spent four seasons at Georgia State, first as the team’s cornerbacks coach before being elevated to secondary coach and defensive passing game coordinator in 2022 and 2023.

He spent the 2018 season at Georgia Southern, one year at Albany State as defensive coordinator (2017), one season as defensive backs c coach at South Carolina State (2016), two seasons as defensive backs coach at Charleston Southern (2014-15), a season as defensive backs coach at St. Augustine’s (2013), and four seasons coaching defensive backs, special teams, and serving as recruiting coordinator at Clark Atlanta.

As a player, Peoples helped Georgia Military College win the 2001 National Junior College Athletic Association national championship before transferring to South Carolina in 2003. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2005 and spent parts of three seasons with the team. He also played professionally in NFL Europe in 2006 and the Canadian Football League 2007-09.

Peoples replaces Aaron Fierbaugh who left the Flames where he was the team’s safeties coach the past three seasons to go to Appalachian State. Peoples is the second outside coach to join Liberty’s coaching staff this off-season, joining new defensive coordinator Shawn Quinn.

Liberty’s current 2026 on-field coaching staff:

Jamey Chadwell, head coach
VACANT, co-offensive coordinator/QB Coach
Newland Isaac, co-offensive coordinator/RB coach
Tony Washington, passing game coordinator/WR coach
Bill Durkin, OL coach
Cody Ladutko, TE coach
Shawn Quinn, defensive coordinator/OLB coach
Skylor Magee, co-defensive coordinator/DL coach
Teddy Gallagher, LB coach
Cory Peoples, DBs coach and defensive passing game coordinator
Dino Waites, CB coach
Dylan Lewellyn, ST coordinator