The Liberty Men's Basketball program began in 1972 under head coach Dan Manley. Liberty University is the second youngest school in NCAA Division I, founded in 1971 (Florida Gulf Coast University founded in 1991). The Flames finished 13-14 in the inaugural season. As of the 2009-2010 season, the Flames have had 8 different head coaches of their Men's Basketball team (Dan Manley 1972-77, Harley Swift 1977-78, Dale Gibson 1978-81, Jeff Meyer 1981-97, Randy Dunton 1997-98 and 2003–2007, Mel Hankinson 1998-2003, Ritchie McKay 2007-09, Dale Layer 2009–present). As of the end of the 2008-2009 season, the Flames had an overall record of 524-555 (48.6%).