It’s been an eventful couple of weeks for Coastal Carolina football following its regular season finale loss to James Madison. Since then, head coach Tim Beck has been dismissed, with a national search being conducted to find his replacement. And while it appears AD Chance Miller is closing in on his selection to succeed Beck, the team’s bowl destination was rumored to be anywhere from Mobile to Boca Raton. On Sunday, the Chanticleers got some clarity. Coastal will face Louisiana Tech in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on Dec. 30. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. ET at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, La.
The Chanticleers posted a 6-6 campaign this season, dropping their final three games to Georgia Southern, USC, and JMU. Louisiana Tech won its last two outings to complete a 7-5 campaign and finish tied for 4th in Conference USA.
The bowl appearance will be the sixth in a row for CCU and the program’s first meeting with Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs’ contest in Shreveport will be their fifteenth bowl trip and the seventh time Tech has competed in the Independence Bowl. Interestingly, in a couple of seasons, this will be a conference matchup, as the Bulldogs are leaving C-USA to join the Sun Belt. That move is expected to take place no later than July 1, 2027.
“We’re extremely grateful for the opportunity to represent Coastal Carolina in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl,” interim head coach Jeremiah Johnson stated in a release from CCU. “Our players and staff have worked incredibly hard all season, and this invitation is a testament to their commitment and resilience. Shreveport will provide a first-class bowl experience, and our team is excited for the chance to compete, prepare the right way, and showcase what Chanticleer football is all about. We’re looking forward to putting our best foot forward and making Teal Nation proud.”
A season ago, CCU dropped a 44-15 decision to UTSA in the Myrtle Beach Bowl, while Louisiana Tech fell to Army 27-6 in the Independence Bowl.