Marshall University has a new head football coach

Marshall University image.

Huntington, W. Va.–With a unanimous decision by the Marshall University Board of Governors Monday morning, former Alabama Associate Head Coach Charles Huff officially became the 31st head football coach in Marshall’s history.

“This is an historic day for Marshall University,” stated Board of Governor’s Chairman Patrick Farrell II after the board approved Huff’s contract.

“It is truly a great day and the feeling in the air is palpable. There is some excitement.”

Details of Huff’s contract were not released during Monday morning’s meeting but Marshall University President Dr. Jerome Gilbert described the deal as being attractive to Huff, while staying within the university’s budget constraints.

“I think we have done a very good job of bringing a very modest contract to the board, not an extravagant contract but fair contract that keeps us within the confines of our budget. I think it’s one that is fair to Coach Huff. I’m very pleased with what we’ve accomplished.” Gilbert explained during the meeting.

Huff earned $800,000 last season at Alabama and was due to make $825,000 this coming year with the Crimson Tide.

Athletics Director Mike Hamrick led the search committee that was formed after Doc Holliday was fired on Jan. 4 after serving as head coach for the past 11 seasons. The committee interviewed several candidates for the job before choosing the former Associate Head Coach at the University of Alabama. Other finalists for the job included Louisville Offensive Coordinator Dwayne Ledford and current Marshall Defensive Coordinator Brad Lambert.

“I want to thank Mike Hamrick for leading the committee and his hard work,” lauded Gilbert.

The 37-year-old Huff, who is the first African-American Head Coach in the football program’s history, is considered to be one of the top recruiters in the country.