Liberty football honored one of the most influential coaches in program history Saturday, recognizing former head coach Danny Rocco during the Flames’ homecoming matchup against FIU while unveiling and dedicating the program’s football trophy room in his honor.
Rocco, who served as Liberty’s head coach from 2006-2011, helped establish the foundation for the program’s continued success, leading the Flames through one of the most successful stretches in school history. His accomplishments on the field, impact on the program, and contributions to Liberty football will be commemorated with the dedication.
During his six seasons at Liberty, Rocco compiled a 47-20 overall record, including an impressive 26-5 mark in Big South Conference play. His teams consistently competed for conference championships and helped elevate Liberty’s standing among the top programs at the FCS level.
The trophy room dedication serves as a lasting recognition of Rocco’s place in the program’s history and the success achieved during his tenure in Lynchburg.
Rocco’s impact was evident from the moment he took over the program. Liberty finished 2005 with a 1-10 record before improving to 6-5 in his first season in 2006, tying for the nation’s largest turnaround at the FCS level that year. The Flames reached new heights under his leadership, winning four consecutive Big South Conference championships from 2007-2010. Liberty also finished each of his final four seasons ranked in the national FCS Top 25. Rocco was named Big South Coach of the Year four times during his tenure. His 2008 team finished 10-2, marking the program’s first 10-win season under his leadership, while the Flames continued to establish themselves as a perennial conference championship contender.
Following his departure from Liberty, Rocco continued his coaching career as head coach at Richmond (2012-2016), Delaware (2017-2021), and Virginia Military Institute (2023-2025). He also spent time as a defensive analyst at Penn State before joining Virginia Tech’s coaching staff in 2026, where he currently serves as the Senior Defensive Analyst for Offense.
The dedication of the football trophy room gives Liberty an opportunity to permanently recognize a coach whose tenure helped shape the program’s history. Rocco’s four conference championships, 47 victories, and role in establishing Liberty as a nationally recognized FCS program remain an important part of the Flames’ football legacy. Saturday’s recognition during the FIU game provides a fitting opportunity for Liberty to welcome Rocco back to Williams Stadium and celebrate his contributions to the program.
