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.