Marshall Thundering Blog

Marshall's Next Head Football Coach: 11 Potential Candidates

2021-01-04T11:00:00.008-05:00

Do you know what Cam Henderson, Jim Donnan and Bob Pruett have in common? They all served as Marshall’s head football coach for fewer games than Doc Holliday, who announced today he won’t be returning next season. And while you might bristle at Holliday’s winning percentage (.617) and amount of conference championships (one), the Hurricane native’s long run in the Shewey Building was unprecedented.
Consider this, only one FBS head coach hired between the 2009 and 2010 football seasons, Notre Dame’s Brian Kelly, remains in the same job. For comparisons sake, during the decade Holliday patrolled Marshall’s sideline, Lane Kiffin served as head coach at USC, Florida Atlantic and Ole Miss, plus a two season stint under Nick Saban at Alabama.
So who will be the Thundering Herd’s next football coach? A better question might be who is making the selection. According to one report, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice and the University’s Board of Governors went around athletic director Mike Hamrick and decided not to retain Holliday.
While that subject probably needs its own deep dive, we’re going to focus on candidates to replace Holliday.
From the NFL
1. Byron Leftwich, Offensive Coordinator, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Any Marshall coaching search figures to start, and potentially end with one of the Thundering Herd’s most prolific quarterbacks. Since hanging up his helmet following the 2012 NFL season, Leftwich has been an assistant with the Arizona Cardinals and Buccaneers. Under Leftwich’s direction, Tampa Bay’s offense finished third in total yards and scored the fourth most points in the league last season. Now with future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady at the helm, Leftwich has the Buccaneers ranked seventh in total offense.

Although Leftwich has never coached at the college level, and seems destined to become an NFL head coach one day, could the pull of his alma mater bring him to Huntington?

2. Mike Furry, Wide Receivers Coach, Chicago Bears – The former Marshall wide receivers coach has a unique story. Following a record breaking college career at Northern Iowa, Furry spent time as a wide receiver and defensive back in the XFL and Arena Football League. Signed by the St. Louis Rams in 2003, he continued playing both offense and defense. Eventually, Furry settled in at wide receiver with Detroit, leading the Lions with 98 receptions in 2006.
Although Furry’s been a NFL assistant coach since 2018, he has extensive college experience. In addition to three seasons under Holliday at Marshall, Furry was head coach at Kentucky Christian University (2011-2012) and Limestone College (2016-2017).
3. Thomas Brown, Running Backs Coach, Los Angeles Rams – The current Ram’s assistant has worked at an impressive list of schools since his single season as Marshall’s running backs coach. From 2014 to 2019, Brown tutored running backs at Wisconsin, Georgia, Miami and South Carolina. At Miami, Brown was also Mark Richt’s offensive coordinator, although he didn’t have play calling responsibilities.
After a year working under one of the NFL’s foremost offensive minds, Rams head coach Sean McVay, is the longtime assistant ready to lead his own college program?
College Head Coaches
4. Sean Lewis, Head Coach, Kent State – From 2013-2017, Paul Hayes won nine conference games as Kent’s head football coach. Enter Lewis, who took helm of the Golden Flashes football program in 2018 and over three seasons has a winning record in Mid-American Conference play. He also led Kent to their first ever bowl win and a 3-1 mark this season.

Lewis has no Marshall ties, having played or coached at Wisconsin, Eastern Illinois, Bowling Green, Syracuse and the aforementioned Kent State. Wage wise he is earning $440,000 a year, which is dramatically less than Holliday’s most recent salary. That being said, per the USA Today college coach’s salary database, Lewis has a $750,000 buyout.

5. Kevin Sumlin, former Head Coach, Arizona – Yes, his time with the Wildcats was bad, 9-20 over three season’s bad. Things were better at Texas A&M, but a 25-23 record against Southeastern Conference competition and zero division titles in six years wasn’t enough to keep Sumlin employed with the Aggies.

Although Sumlin failed at bigger programs, he was wildly successful in Conference USA. During a four season stint as Houston’s head coach, the Cougars qualified for two league championship games and only suffered eight losses to conference foes.

College Coordinators
6. Brad Lambert, Defensive Coordinator, Marshall University – Could Holliday’s replacement already be on staff? Lambert interviewed for the Marshall job in 2009 and figures to be a strong candidate again after re-launching Charlotte’s football program and two impressive seasons leading the Herd's defense.
But what do you make of Lambert’s time at Charlotte? He was let go in 2018 after posting a 22-48 record over six seasons, including an 8-24 record against C-USA competition. That being said, when Lambert was hired by the 49ers in March of 2011, no one thought Charlotte would be playing FBS football 2½ years later.
7. Adam Fuller, Defensive Coordinator, Florida State – Plucked by Holliday from The University of Tennessee Chattanooga prior to the 2013 season, Fuller served as the Thundering Herd’s linebackers coach for four years before being appointed defensive coordinator in 2018. During the 2018 season, Fuller helped Marshall finish second among C-USA schools in total defense.

Hired away by Memphis, Fuller and the Tigers completed an undefeated regular season and captured the 2019 American Athletic Conference championship. Fuller joined Mike Norvell’s staff in Tallahassee when the former Memphis head coach was named to the same position at Florida State.

In addition to serving as an assistant at Wagner, Richmond, Chattanooga, Marshall, Memphis and Florida State, Fuller was head coach at Division II Assumption College in 2008.

8. Tony Petersen, Offensive Coordinator, Illinois – Former Marshall quarterback, Thundering Herd assistant under three different head coaches (Donnan, Pruett, Holliday) and an offensive coordinator at Louisiana Tech, East Carolina and Appalachian State. Not to mention additional coaching stints with Minnesota, Iowa State and South Dakota.

In December, new Fighting Illini coach Bret Bielema hired Petersen away from Appalachian State to be his offensive coordinator.

Petersen is entering his fourth decade as a college football coach, yet unlike Fuller and Lambert, he has never lead his own program. Lack of head coaching experience didn’t stop Hamrick from hiring Holliday ten years ago, could he do the same with Petersen?

9. Gerard Parker, Offensive Coordinator, WVU – What are the chances Parker travels the same path Holliday blazed from Morgantown to Huntington?
Raised less than an hour away from Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Louisa, KY, Parker was Marshall’s wide receivers coach in 2011 and 2012 before leaving for Purdue. Following Darrell Hazell’s dismissal with six games remaining in the 2016 season, Parker was named the Boilermakers interim head coach, finishing the year 0-6.
Prior to being appointed offensive coordinator at WVU, he served as wide receivers coach with Duke and Penn State.
Parker does have a blemish on his record. He plead guilty to operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated in West Lafayette, IN. The incident, which occurred in February of 2017, cost Parker an opportunity to serve as an assistant at East Carolina.
College Assistants
10. Gunter Brewer, Wide Receivers Coach, Louisville – If you’re looking for a Holliday esque hire, look no further than this former Herd assistant. Similar to Holliday before he was hired at Marshall, the 56 year-old Brewer has been an assistant coach for over 30 years. In addition to working under Pruett in Huntington, Brewer’s held jobs at Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, North Carolina and Louisville. He was also the Philadelphia Eagles wide receivers coach for a season.

Is it time to bring Brewer back to his former stomping grounds? From 1996-1999 he was part of a 1-AA National Championship, three Mid-American Conference titles and two undefeated seasons with the Thundering Herd.

Someone the Writer would Consider
11. Matt Canada, Quarterbacks Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers – I’ve been keeping an eye on Canada since he was appointed interim head coach at Maryland in 2018. As you might recall, Canada replaced the suspended DJ Durkin, who was eventually fired over the death of Jordan McNair, a victim of heatstroke suffered during a team workout.

Coaching under the cloud of McNair’s passing, Canada lead the Terps to five wins, including a season opening victory over Texas. Maryland almost got its sixth win that season against No. 9 Ohio State, but an overtime two point conversion pass by current Western Kentucky quarterback Tyrell Pigrome sailed wide of an open wide receiver.

In addition to his time at Maryland, Canada served as offensive coordinator at Indiana, Northern Illinois, Wisconsin, NC State, Pittsburgh and LSU. At Pitt, he was a 2016 finalist for the Broyles Award, given annually to the top assistant coach in college football.

Marshall Football: Seven Candidates for the Herd's Next Offensive Coordinator

2017-12-24T00:04:00.001-05:00

After eight seasons on Doc Holliday's staff, Bill Legg resigned his position as offensive coordinator/tight ends coach with Marshall University earlier this week. We won't delve into Legg's "resignation" here, but we will explore his potential replacements.

How about that for our first blog post in over three years...

Internal Candidates

Todd Gobbel, Marshall University,Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach
Gobbel orchestrated a high octane offense as Ohio Dominican University's (Division II) assistant head coach/offensive coordinator from 2011-2014. During his time with the Panthers, Ohio Dominican averaged no less than 31 points per game.

If Holliday wants to promote from within, Gobbel seems like the obvious answer, especially after coaching the Herd's quarterbacks during the recently completed season. That being said, Gobbel's play calling experience ends at the Division II level. Is that the type of pedigree Holliday is looking for?

Former Assistants Under Holliday

Thomas Brown, University of Miami, Offensive Coordinator/Running Backs Coach
Don't let the title fool you, although Brown is listed as the Hurricanes offensive coordinator, head coach Mark Ritch calls plays. That being said, Brown has an impressive resume. Since leaving Marshall in 2013, the former Thundering Herd running backs coach has worked at Wisconsin and Georgia in addition to Miami.

If Holliday isn't looking for someone with previous play calling experience, Brown could be the choice, although he might have to take a slight pay cut. A private institution, Miami isn't required to report salaries of it's football staff, but Brown made $275,000 as Georgia's running backs coach in 2015. Assuming he earns more now, Brown's current salary probably eclipses the $232,000 Marshall paid Legg this year.

Tony Petersen, East Carolina University, Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach
The former Marshall quarterback has directed ECU's offense since 2015 to solid, yet unspectacular results. Under Petersen's direction, the Pirates have finished 43rd, 23rd and 55th in total offense.

Even if Holliday wants to bring Petersen back to Huntington, would the former Marshall assistant leave ECU? Although the Pirates finished with a 3-9 record and have only recorded six victories in two seasons under head coach Scottie Montgomery, Petersen's $300,000 salary probably outstrips what the Herd can offer. You could argue taking a pay-cut to serve the same role at another "group of five" school doesn't make sense.

Outside Candidates

Marcus Satterfield, Unemployed, Former Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator
After a two year stint at Tennessee Tech, Satterfield was fired as the Golden Eagles head coach in November. Prior to his time as a head coach, he was offensive coordinator at Temple, helping the Owls grow from a two win team in 2013 to a 10-4 record in 2015. Satterfield's offenses weren't prolific at Temple, never averaging over 400 yards per game, but as the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's offensive coordinator in 2010, the Mocs' finish eight nationally in total offense (FCS).

In terms of Marshall connections, Satterfield worked with current Herd assistant Adam Fuller at Chattanooga for three seasons. Satterfield checks the experience box, but he has never coached with Holliday and his offenses at Temple didn't light the world on fire.

Chris Beatty, University of Maryland, Associate Head Coach/Wide Receivers Coach
Beatty and Holliday were on Bill Stewart's West Virginia University staff from 2008 to 2009. The current Maryland assistant has made a number of stops since then, working at Vanderbilt, Illinois, Wisconsin and Virginia.

Beatty is known as an ace recruiter. He recently brought the number one prospect in the 2015 recruiting class, Auburn transfer Byron Cowart, to the Terps. Beatty also has offensive coordinator experience, serving that role with Hampton University in 2006, leading the Pirates to average 34.17 points per game, good for seventh nationally (FCS). That being said, he had a disastrously short tenure as Illinois' co-offensive coordinator in 2012, the Illini finished 119th in total offense.

Gregg Brandon, Colorado School of Mines, Head Coach
Like Holliday, Brandon is part of the Urban Meyer coaching tree. Brandon was Meyer's offensive coordinator at Bowling Green for two seasons before succeeding him as head coach from 2003-2008. Since that time, the 49 year coaching veteran has held the offensive coordinator title at Virginia, Wyoming and New Mexico State.

Brandon has been successful in Colorado, leading the Division II Orediggers to a 25-10 record over three years. Would he be willing to leave that environment and return to major college football?

Gunter Brewer, University of North Carolina, Co-Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers Coach
An assistant at Marshall during two undefeated Thundering Herd seasons (1996 & 1999), Brewer is a well traveled assistant coach with many impressive programs on his resume. He has held the offensive coordinator title at Marshall, Oklahoma State and now North Carolina, but its been awhile since Brewer called plays. Mike Gundy handled those duties with the Cowboys during Brewers tenure there and he is now part of a play calling committee at UNC.

Like a few other coaches on this list, Brewer would probably be taking a pay-cut to join the Herd. He earned $345,000 with the Tar Heels this year.

Keep in mind I have no insider knowledge. This is one persons guess over 400 miles away from Huntington, WV.

Marshall Basketball: Chris Duhon Added to Staff

2014-04-30T23:51:00.002-04:00

Reaching back to his NBA roots, Marshall basketball coach Dan D'Antoni will reportedly add former Duke standout Chris Duhon to the Thundering Herd's coaching staff.

Over a nine year NBA career Duhon averaged 25.6 minutes, 6.5 points, and 4.4 rebounds per game with the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, and Los Angeles Lakers. Duhon played under D'Antoni and his brother, former NBA head coach Mike D'Antoni, in New York and L.A.

A Duke alum, Duhon ended his Blue Devils career as the schools all time leader in steals and minutes played. He is also the second winningest player in program and Atlantic Coast Conference history.

Duhon has never severed as a coach, much less at the college level. His exact title and role with Marshall's coaching staff has not been announced.

WSAZ sports reporter Rich Donnelly caught up with Duhon in Huntington, watch the interview by clicking here.

Marshall Basketball: Brantley and Uwadiae Headed Elsewhere

2014-04-30T17:19:00.001-04:00

They might not have played a game for Marshall, but Jaylen Brantley and Henry Uwadiae made a impact on the Thundering Herd's basketball program today.

Formerly one of the top 100 basketball recruits in the country, Brantley will transfer from Marshall after sitting out the 2013-2014 season as a academic non-qualifier. A 5-foot-10 point guard from Springfield, Mass., Brantley is leaving the Herd for a junior college in Texas.

Former Marshall G Jaylen Brantley is transferring to Odessa College (JUCO). (HT @TheRecruitScoop) @Jaybrant2 http://t.co/UlIefMB6JF
— Verbal Commits (@VerbalCommits) April 30, 2014

Marshall also lost the tallest member of its recruiting class as Uwadiae, 6-foot-10 center, was granted a release from his letter of intent. Uwadiae spent last season at Kirkwood Community College where he averaged 1.6 points and 1.8 rebounds per game.

Henry Uwadiae from Kirkwood CC has been granted his release from Marshall, per a source
— Brad Winton (@JucoRecruiting) April 30, 2014

Counting those players returning to Marshall and incoming recruits Shane Hall and Jay Johnson, recently hired basketball coach Dan D'Antoni is one scholarship below the NCAA limit of 13.

Marshall Football: Green & White Game Ends Spring Practice

2014-04-27T21:15:00.001-04:00

Marshall wrapped up spring football practice yesterday with the annual green and white game. This years edition had a special twist as former Thundering Herd quarterbacks Chad Pennington and Byron Leftwich picked each team.

As with the rest of spring practice, yesterdays game was highlighted by the backup quarterback battle. Redshirt sophomore Gunnar Holcombe lead the way, completing 11 of 18 attempts for 220 yards, three touchdowns, and a interception. Holcombe's favorite target was wide receiver Justin Hunt, who finished his day with two touchdowns on three receptions and 153 yards.

Participating in his first spring game, freshman Cole Garvin tossed a touchdown and two interceptions while converting 10 of 17 passes for 109 yards. Kevin Anderson received the least amount of playing time between the three backup quarterbacks. He only attempted four passes, completing none while throwing a interception.

A former quarterback at Huntington High School, walk-on defensive back Mark Shaver had a big day for the defense. He lead the team with two interceptions and also recorded two tackles. In total, the defense allowed 224 rushing yards on 51 attempts and 431 passing yards on 24 completions.

Stats

Huntington Herald Dispatch

Hunt makes plays in front of his idol

Players of the past like present

White tops Green 30-13

Herd backup QBs in the spotlight

Charleston Daily Mail

The spring season ends

Pennington to Moss

Charleston Gazette

Cato's understudies have strong moments in Herd's spring ending workout

Mitch Vingle: Despite performance, MU is Rakeem Cato

HerdZone

BOGACZYK: Backup QB Battle Plays on into August

Marshall Football: Herd Adds Birdsong to QB Mix

2014-04-27T00:23:00.001-04:00

Marshall's search to find an eventual replacement for star quarterback Rakeem Cato added another member today. While visiting campus during the annual green and white game Michael Birdsong gave a verbal commitment to the Thundering Herd.

#WeAre ...#Marshall
— Michael Birdsong (@Birdsong_M) April 27, 2014

Birdsong comes to Marshall from James Madison University. The sophomore quarterback started every game for the Dukes last year, completing 227 of 376 pass attempts for 2,278 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. An occasional rushing threat, he also ran for three scores and 310 yards.

Then a assistant coach at JMU, Marshall defensive line coach J.C. Price recruited Birdsong to the Dukes. A Virginia native, Birdsong decided to leave James Madison after losing the starting quarterback job to Vlad Lee during spring practice.

Birdsong is a sizable quarterback, standing 6-foot-4, 230 pounds. Before committing to Marshall, he also had a official visit scheduled at Old Dominion. Per NCAA transfer rules, Birdsong will sit out the upcoming season. Once eligible, he will have two years left to play.

Marshall Basketball: Dan D'Antoni Introductory News Conference

2014-04-25T23:08:00.000-04:00

Did you miss today's press conference with Coach Dan D'Antoni? Watch it here! http://t.co/EOROymgwJQ
— Marshall Athletics (@HerdZone) April 25, 2014

Marshall Basketball: Dan D'Antoni Named Head Coach

2014-04-24T14:09:00.002-04:00

After an exhaustive search that lasted over 40 days, Marshall University finally has a new men’s basketball coach. Marshall athletic director Mike Hamrick announced the hire of Los Angeles Lakers assistant Dan D’Antoni earlier today.

I am proud to announce that Dan D'Antoni will be the next head basketball coach at Marshall University. #THEHERD pic.twitter.com/LxpD13FFnR
— Mike Hamrick (@TheHerdAD) April 24, 2014

Dan is the older brother of Lakers head coach Mike D’Antoni, who Hamrick heavily pursued during Marshall’s coaching search. Since 2005 Dan has served as an assistant under his younger sibling with the Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles. Prior to his time in the NBA, D'Antoni spent 30 years as the head coach at Socastee High School in Myrtle Beach, S.C., where he won over 500 games.

A Marshall grad and Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, D'Antoni played basketball for the Thundering Herd from 1966 to 1970, leading the team in scoring (17.5 ppg) during his junior season. He was also named 1st Team All Mid-American Conference in 1969. After graduating D'Antoni was appointed head coach of the Herd’s freshman basketball team where he coached his younger brother Mike. One year later Dan was promoted to a assistant coach position with the varsity squad. Following his time on Marshall’s coaching staff, he had a brief stint with the NBA’s Baltimore Bullets before becoming the head coach at Socastee in 1975.

Hamrick will formally introduce D'Antoni during a press conference tomorrow afternoon.

Marshall Basketball: D'Antoni to Remain with Lakers

2014-04-23T00:18:00.001-04:00

Despite a full court press from Marshall athletic director Mike Hamrick, Mike D'Antoni won't return to the Thundering Herd as head basketball coach. Citing sources, Chuck McGill of the Charleston Daily Mail has learned that D'Antoni will remain with the Los Angeles Lakers.

According to McGill, Hamrick offered D'Antoni a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract and spent four days in Los Angeles courting the former Marshall point guard.

D'Antoni has one season remaining on a three year, $12 dollar contract with the Lakers. Los Angeles just finish a 27-55 campaign that landed them in last place of the Pacific Division.

McGill expects Marshall to name a new basketball coach within the next 48 hours or early next week. Names mentioned for the opening include Stephen F. Austin coach Brad Underwood, Eastern Kentucky's Jeff Neubauer, and West Virginia assistant Ron Everhart. Also, multiple outlets reported that North Carolina Central head coach Levelle Moton interviewed for the job.

In slightly related news, fellow Conference USA member Southern Miss lost basketball coach Donnie Tyndall to Tennessee. Reports indicate that Tyndall's contract with the Volunteers is worth $8 million over five years.

Two C-USA schools have already found new men's basketball coaches. In April FAU signed former Detroit Pistons coach Michael Curry to a six year contract. After firing Ben Braun at the seasons conclusion, Rice brought in VCU assistant Mike Rhoades as his replacement.

Marshall Football: Delvin Weems Commits to Herd

2014-04-14T22:23:00.000-04:00

Marshall reached down south for another football prospect this evening, securing a verbal commitment from Delvin Weems.

Im committed to #Marshall!!! #Herdnatiin #thunderingherd
— Delvin Weems™ (@OMG_DWeems) April 15, 2014

Earlier today the Atlanta Journal-Constitution named Weems one of the top 10 high school running backs in Georgia. Last year he rushed for 1,233 yards and 21 touchdowns at Sandy Creek High School. Weems' Sandy Creek team also featured current Marshall quarterback Cole Garvin.

Delvin Weems highlight video

247 Sports ranks Weems a three star recruit and the nations 15th best all-purpose back. He also had a scholarship offer from Cincinnati.

Marshall Basketball: Canty Wins Appeal, Will Transfer

2014-04-11T12:37:00.002-04:00

After having his original transfer request denied, Marshall basketball player Kareem Canty was granted his release by a appeals committee earlier today.

The Thundering Herds leading scorer this season, Canty averaged 16.3 points and 5.5 assist per game. He was named to Conference USA's All-Freshman and All Third teams.

Canty first requested his release shortly after the dismissal of former head coach Tom Herrion. When that request was denied, Canty sought a hearing by the Student Athlete Appeals Committee to reverse the original decision. Per NCAA rules, appeals committees consist of three parties, the Director of Admissions, the Facualty Athletics representative, and the Chair of the Advisory Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics.

A rising sophomore, Canty spent two years on Marshall's campus. The first as a partial qualifier which allowed him to be placed on scholarship and practice with the team but not participate in games.

Huntington Herald Dispatch columnist Chuck Landon is reporting that Canty will likely file a hardship waiver in order to play at his new school immediately. Under normal circumstances, transfers are required to sit out one year.

Besides winning his appeal and getting released by Marshall look for Canty to file hardship and be eligible immediately
— Chuck Landon (@Chuckonsports) April 11, 2014

Marshall Football: Herd Schedules Series with ECU

2014-04-03T22:37:00.003-04:00

Marshall and East Carolina won't let a silly thing like conference affiliation stand in the way of their football rivalry. Today both schools announced a home-and-home football series to take place during the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Marking the 50th anniversary season of Marshall's tragic plane crash that took the lives of 75 individuals on Southern Airways Flight 932, the Herd will travel to ECU on September 5th 2020.

The Pirates make a return trip to Joan C. Edwards Stadium September 11th 2021.

As members of Conference USA the Pirates and Herd have met on the football field nine times since 2004. The annual match-up is ending with ECU's move to the American Conference this July.

Future Marshall Out of Conference Schedules

2014
08/30 - at Miami (OH)
09/06 - Rhode Island
09/13 - Ohio
09/20 - at Akron

2015
09/05 - Purdue
09/12 - at Ohio
TBA - at Kent State
TBA - Norfolk State

2016
09/17 - Akron
09/24 - Louisville

2017
09/17 - Akron
09/24 - Louisville

2018
09/01 - at Miami (OH)

2019
TBA

2020
09/05 - at East Carolina

2021
09/04 - at Navy
09/11 - East Carolina

2022
09/03 - Navy

Marshall Football: Chase Litton Commits to Herd

2014-03-26T21:29:00.003-04:00

Marshall added another member to its 2015 recruiting class this afternoon when quarterback Chase Litton announced his commitment to the Thundering Herd. Litton was on campus yesterday for the Herd's first day of spring practice.

Proud to announce that I have committed to Marshall University !! #GoHerd
— Chase Litton (@asaplitton) March 26, 2014

As a senior at Florida's Wharton High School, Litton passed for 13 touchdowns and almost 2,220 yards. He also rushed for 397 yards and four additional scores.

Chase Litton highlight videos

A three star prospect according to Rivals, Litton committed to South Florida in the summer between his junior and senior year but withdrew the commitment shortly thereafter. He did not sign a letter of intent in February, deciding instead to attend the Atlanta Sports Academy, a prep school in Georgia. Marshall has a number of Atlanta Sports Academy alumni on it's roster including Corey Tindal, Kent Turene, and Deon-Tay McManus. Litton will spend this fall at prep school and enroll at Marshall in January of 2015.

A athletic quarterback, Litton stands 6-foot-6, 190 pounds. He was recently named a All-Second Team basketball selection in Hillsborough County.

For more on Marshall's latest commitment, follow the links below.

Tampa Bay Times

Chase Litton headed to prep school to become 2015 recruit

Chase Litton commits to Marshall for 2015

Marshall Football: Herd Opens Spring Practice in the Snow

2014-03-26T10:24:00.001-04:00

Marshall kicked off spring football practice yesterday in the snowy confines of Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Including Tuesday, the Thundering Herd will conduct 15 practices culminating with the annual Green and White game on April 26^th.

Spring Football Schedule

Spring Football Roster

Yesterday's practice marked a significant change for tight end Eric Frohnapfel. It was the first time he did not share the field with twin brother Blake Frohnapfel. After sitting behind all-conference quarterback Rakeem Cato for three years, Blake transferred to Massachusetts in February. Now the lone Frohnapfel on Marshall's roster, Eric is competing against Devon Johnson and newcomer Deon-Tay McManus for the staring tight end spot.

Granted a medical hardship waiver by the NCAA, defensive tackle James Rouse is enjoying his sixth and final spring practice at Marshall. Rouse lead the Herd with 14 tackles for loss last season and was named the teams defensive MVP. After yesterdays practice Rouse spoke with Derek Redd of the Charleston Daily Mail about his goals this spring.

Despite yesterday's adverse conditions, Marshall head coach Doc Holliday said his team came out with energy and was focused on the task at-hand.

The Herd returns to the practice field on Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Practice is open to the public.

Marshall Football: Herd Releases Spring Depth Chart

2014-03-17T12:24:00.001-04:00

Just over a week away from spring football practice, Marshall released a depth chart on the school's official athletics website today. The full depth chart and additional notes on a few key positional changes are below.

OFFENSE

WR (z) – Craig Wilkins, Angelo Jean-Louis, Demetrius Evans

WR (x) – Davonte Allen, Justin Hunt, Chris Alston Jr.

WR (slot) – Tommy Shuler, Deandre Reaves

LT – Sebastian Johansson, AJ Addison, Chris Huhn

LG – Blake Brooks, Tom Collins, Will Mendoza

C – Chris Jasperse, Cam Dees, Cody Collins

RG – Michael Selby, Trevor Mendelson, x-Tyler Combs

RT – Clint Van Horn, Sandley Jean-Felix, Eric Ansley

TE/H-back – Eric Frohnapfel, Devon Johnson, Joe Woodrum/DeonTay McManus

QB – Rakeem Cato, Gunnar Holcombe, Kevin Anderson

RB – Steward Butler, Remi Watson

DEFENSE

DE – Ra’Shawde Myers, Ricardo Williams, Joe Massaquoi

NT – Jarquez Samuel, Josh Brown, Malcolm Strong

DT – James Rouse, Steve Dillon, Marcus Gilchrist

DE (Fox) – Gary Thompson, Arnold Blackmon, Armonze Daniel

OLB (Sam) – D.J. Hunter, Raheem Waiters

MLB (Mike) -- Jermaine Holmes, x-Neville Hewitt, Cortez Carter, x-Kent Turene

ILB (Will) – Evan McKelvey, Stefan Houston

CB – Corey Tindal, Keith Baxter, Donaldven Manning

SS – Tiquan Lang, Taj Letman

FS – A.J. Leggett, Taj Letman, Corie Wilson/Andre Scott

CB – Darryl Roberts, Michael Johnson

Nickel – Corey Tindal, Michael Johnson

SPECIAL TEAMS

PK – Justin Haig, Nick Smith

KO – Amoretto Curraj, Kaare Vedvik

P – Tyler Williams, Nick Smith

LS – Matt Cincotta

H – Tyler Williams

KR – Deandre Reaves, Tiquan Lang

PR – Deandre Reaves, Tommy Shuler

x -- Hewitt, Combs, Turene are expected to miss spring practice while recovering from surgery

Notes

After playing guard last season, Sebastian Johansson is penciled in to take over at left tackle.
Blake Brooks slides in at left guard, taking the spot vacated by Johansson's move to tackle.
Although he has participated in the team off-season conditioning program, running back Kevin Grooms is not yet an official member of the Herd. Marshall head coach Doc Holliday spoke about Grooms status on HerdZone.com, “Grooms isn’t back as an official member of the team yet,” Holliday said. “He still needs to earn back the trust of his teammates and the coaches before he’s a part of the team again. We’ll decide when that’s going to be.”
Marshall has plenty of depth at tight end with Devon Johnson and Eric Frohnapfel returning, but watch out for redshirt freshman DeonTay McManus. The one time WVU commitment was a four star recruit out of Baltimore in 2012.
The most experienced of Marshall's backup quarterbacks, Gunnar Holcombe is listed directly behind Rakeem Cato on the Herd's depth chart
Ra'Shawde Myers is shown as the starter at defensive end but expect him to be pushed by Miami transfer Ricardo Williams.
DJ Hunter is back at linebacker and expected to start. He lost his starting safety spot to Tiquan Lang midway through last season.
After missing the entire 2013 season due to injury, Keith Baxter is back for spring practice.

Marshall Basketball: Potential List of Candidates to Replace Tom Herrion

2014-03-14T15:46:00.003-04:00

As Marshall searches for its next men's basketball coach, rumors are already swirling on potential replacements for Tom Herrion. Here are a few names that could make athletic director Mike Hamrick's short list.

Blaine Taylor - Taylor lead Old Dominion's basketball program for almost 19 seasons. During that time the Monarchs won 20 games eleven times and qualified for six NCAA Tournaments. He was fired at the tail end of the 2012-2013 season when ODU had a record of 2-20.

John Pelphrey - A Marshall assistant under Billy Donovan, Pelphrey has served as head coach at South Alabama and most recently Arkansas. In 2008 he lead the Razorbacks to the NCAA Tournament during his first year as head coach. Declining results the next three seasons including two 14 win campaigns contributed to his dismissal in 2011. He is currently an assistant coach at Florida.

Jeff Boals - Although he has never been a head coach, Boals might be an intriguing option. He spent five seasons on Marshall's bench under Greg White. Since then, Boals has served as an assistant coach at Charleston, Robert Morris, Akron, and most recently Ohio State. During his time with the Buckeyes, Ohio State has won three Big Ten regular season titles and appeared in the 2012 Final Four.

Mike D'Antoni - Would the former New York Knicks and current Los Angeles Lakers head coach be interested in returning home to West Virginia and leading his alma mater? According to ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith, D'Antoni won't be brought back to the Lakers next year. Keep in mind D'Antoni has never coached in college basketball, even as an assistant. But the real question is, what would it take to bring him back to the Mountain State? D'Antoni has been involved with the athletic department recently, co-chairing Marshall's vision campaign with Chad Pennington.

Dan D'Antoni - Mike's older brother, Dan is a former Marshall point guard and member of the schools athletics Hall of Fame. After a brief stint on the Herd's coaching staff in the early 1970's, Dan spent 30 years as a high school coach in South Carolina. Since 2005, he has served as an assistant coach under Mike at the Phoenix Suns, Knicks, and Lakers.

Jeff Capel III - While Shaka Smart has taken VCU to new heights, you could argue that Capel put them on the map. From 2002-2006, Capel won 79 games and made a NCAA Tournament appearance with the Rams. Capel left for Oklahoma in 2009 and took the Sooners to the Elite Eight in his first season as head coach. He was fired two years later after consecutive sub 15 win seasons. Capel's a assistant coach at Duke.

Bruce Pearl - Now an ESPN analyst, Pearl is best know for his six seasons at Tennessee. During those six years, Pearl never failed to make the NCAA Tournament and never won less than 19 games. He was fired in 2011 amid an NCAA investigation into the recruiting of Aaron Craft. As a result of the investigation, Pearl was hit with a three year show-cause penalty that runs through this August.

Seth Greenberg - Another ESPN analyst, Greenberg coached at Virginia Tech from 2004 to 2012. Often the bridesmaid, the Hokies qualified for five NIT's during Greenberg's tenure and only one NCAA Tournament. That being said, his overall record at Virginia Tech was 167-117. He was also named the 2007-2008 ACC coach of the year.

Steve Henson - Could Hamrick turn to an old friends staff for Marshall's next coach? Hamrick hired Lon Kruger at UNLV in 2004 and was rewarded with four NCAA Tournament appearances. Now the head coach at Oklahoma, Henson is Kruger's top assistant.

John Brannen - A 1997 Marshall graduate, Brannen played two seasons with the Herd after transferring from Morehead State . He's held assistant coaching positions at Charleston, Eastern Kentucky, St. Bonaventure, VCU, and now Alabama. Crimson Tide head coach Anthony Grant promoted Brannen to associate head coach before the 2013-2014 season.

Bobby Lutz - From 1999 to 2005 few coaches were more successful in Conference USA than Lutz. Before the 49ers departed for the Atlantic 10 in 2006, Lutz won a C-USA title and appeared in four NCAA Tournaments. Fired by Charlotte following the 2010 season, he is now an assistant at NC State.

Jeff Neubauer - After taking Eastern Kentucky to the NCAA Tournament for the second time, Neubauer's name will be bantered about for a number of openings this off-season. A former West Virginia assistant, Neubauer has lead the Colonels for nine seasons, accumulating a record of 167-121.

Kevin Keatts - One year removed from a national championship, Keatts has been a assistant under Rick Pittio at Louisville since 2011. Prior to that, he served as head coach at Hargrave Military Academy for eight seasons. In July of 2013 Jeff Goodman of ESPN.com named Keatts the third most respected/feared assistant in college basketball after surveying over 200 collegiate coaches.

Marshall Basketball: Herrion to Part Ways with Herd

2014-03-14T11:35:00.001-04:00

Marshall ended its men's basketball season on Wednesday with a Conference USA Tournament loss to ODU. Less than 48 hours later, it appears Tom Herrion's tenure as head coach is also coming to a end.

At 1:45 p.m. today Marshall athletic director Mike Hamrick will hold a press conference to discuss the future of the basketball program. Multiple reports indicate Herrion's dismissal will be announced at the event.

The Herd just completed a 11-22 campaign, only the fourth 20 loss season in Marshall men's basketball history. Over four seasons Herrion compiled a 67-67 record. During that time he was well under .500 in league play, ending his Marshall career with a 28-36 mark against Conference USA competition.

In his first year on the job, Herrion pushed the Herd to 22 wins and a CollegeInsider.com Tournament bid. He followed that up with a NIT appearance in 2012, Marshall's first in 24 years.

Heading into the 2012-2013 season, Marshall was selected to finish second in C-USA and two players were placed on the preseason all conference team. The lofty expectations turned out to be a burden as the Herd finished 13-19.

This off-season Herrion took the dramatic step of dismissing DeAndre Kane from the team. In three seasons at Marshall Kane became the schools 15th all time leading scorer and 8th in all time assist. Now at Iowa State, Kane was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year after averaging 17.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assist per game this year.

Attrition was a constant issue with Herrion's Herd. Over the past four years nine players left Marshall's basketball program without completing their eligibility

Discipline was another problem. In a Sports Illustrated report this February Herrion's own players accused their coach of failing to reprimand Kane despite a laundry list of problems including tardiness, physical altercations with teammates, and verbal abuse of staff members.

The Herald Dispatch is reporting that Herrion's contract includes a $525,000 buyout which has been raised through private sources.

We will have more on this story as it develops throughout the day.

Marshall Basketball: Old Dominion Ends Herd's Season in El Paso

2014-03-13T09:18:00.003-04:00

From the Associated Press.

EL PASO, Texas (AP) - Aaron Bacote scored 25 points and sixth-seeded Old Dominion pulled away in the second half to defeat 14th-seeded Marshall 73-58 on Wednesday in the second round of the Conference USA tournament.

The Monarchs (16-16) advanced to play third-seeded Middle Tennessee in a Thursday quarterfinal.

Bacote, who also had eight rebounds, finished three points shy of his career high. He made 13 of 18 free throws with the Monarchs sinking 23 of 32 from the line. Dimitri Batten added 13 points and seven boards for ODU, which outrebounded Marshall 39-26.

Kareem Canty scored 17 points for Marshall (11-22), but was scoreless in the first half and made only 1 of 8 3-point attempts. Shawn Smith added 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Leading by two at halftime, ODU never trailed in the second half. The Monarchs outscored the Thundering Herd 19-8 over a 6-minute stretch to lead 62-46 with 3:57 left.

Marshall in the NFL: Herd Alums Stay Put

2014-03-12T19:58:00.001-04:00

The first shots were fired across the NFL's offseason bow yesterday as free agency got under way. While players across the league were busy switching teams, a number of Marshall alumni singed new contracts with their current clubs.

A special teams standout, linebacker Albert McClellan signed a new two year contract with the Baltimore Ravens. McClellan lead Baltimore with 12 special teams tackles last season while also providing depth at inside and outside linebacker. Although full terms of his deal were not disclosed, the 2006 Conference USA defensive player of the year reportedly received a $400,000 signing bonus.

The Ravens also kept fellow former Marshall standout Omar Brown off the free agent market by tendering him a contract. Brown spent eight weeks on Baltimore's practice squad last year before being promoted to the active roster.

Despite a neck injury that cut his season short, the Indianapolis Colts brought Ahmad Bradshaw back on a one year contract yesterday. In three games last year Bradshaw rushed for 186 yards on 41 attempts with two touchdowns. The Thundering Herds fifth all time leading rusher, Bradshaw will embark on his eighth NFL season in 2014.

Of Marshall's ten alumni to play in the NFL last season, only safety Chris Crocker remains a free agent.

Marshall Basketball: Herd Downs FAU, Advances in C-USA Championships

2014-03-12T08:41:00.001-04:00

From Marshall University's Sports Information Office.

EL PASO, Texas – Sophomore guard Chris Thomas (Denver) scored 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds as No. 14 seed Marshall topped 11th-seeded Florida Atlantic 63-59 in a first round game of the Conference USA tournament Tuesday night.

Freshman point guard Kareem Canty (Harlem, N.Y.) added 12 points for Marshall (11-21, 5-12 C-USA), which will face sixth-seeded Old Dominion on Wednesday.

The Thundering Herd overcame a poor shooting performance (24-of-63 from the field and 5-of-20 from 3-point range) by forcing 15 FAU turnovers and grabbing 14 offensive rebounds.

Marshall took a 36-29 lead into halftime and 3-pointers by Canty and Thomas pushed the Thundering Herd's lead to 11 with 8:32 remaining.

The Owls used a 9-0 run to pull within two, 55-53, with 3:52 to play but would get no closer.

Thomas and Tamron Manning each made a pair of free throws in the final minute to hold off Florida Atlantic (10-22).

Marquan Botley scored 26 and Pablo Bertone added 21 for the Owls.

Marshall will now play No. 6 Old Dominion on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. ET inside the Don Haskins Center with a chance to advance to play No. 3 Middle Tennessee, Thursday afternoon.

Marshall Basketball: Canty Named All C-USA

2014-03-10T21:53:00.001-04:00

Voted on by the leagues players and coaches, Marshall's Kareem Cany was named to the Conference USA All-Third team earlier today.

Canty leads the Thundering Herd in minutes (36.6), points (16.4), and assist (5.7) per game. Outside of Canty, only one other freshman was named all-conference. UTEP forward and second team selection Vince Hunter.

Marshall continues its season on Tuesday in a first round C-USA Tournament game against FAU. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET from the Don Haskins Center in El Paso Texas.

Marshall Basketball: Herd Seeded 14th in C-USA Tournament

2014-03-06T23:52:00.004-05:00

After finishing the regular season with a conference record of 4-12, Marshall earned the 14th seed in next weeks Conference USA tournament.

Held in the Don Haskins Center on the campus of UTEP, the Herd will face 11th seed FAU on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET. The winner earns the right to play Old Dominion, who received a first round bye as the tournaments 6th seed, at 4:30 p.m. ET Wednesday.

In their lone meeting this season Marshall fell to Florida Atlantic at home 65-57. Last week Owl's head coach Mike Jarvis announced his resignation which will commence once FAU's season ends .

To view a complete C-USA Tournament bracket click here.

Marshall Football: Herd Adds Barclay as New Running Backs Coach

2014-03-06T23:04:00.000-05:00

According to multiple reports Marshall has hired Chris Barclay as its new running backs coach. Barclay comes to the Herd from William & Mary where he held the same position.

A familiar name to Wake Forest fans, Barclay was named 2005 Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year after rushing for 1,127 yards and ten touchdowns for the Demon Deacons. When his collegiate career ended, Barclay spent parts of three NFL seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, and Atlanta Falcons.

Barclay's served two seasons as running backs coach at William & Mary. This year the Tribe ranked 77th out of 122 Football Championship Subdivision teams after averaging 148.9 rushing yards per game. He recruited central Virginia, western North Carolina, and a number of southwestern states for William & Mary.

Barclay replaces Thomas Brown who left Marshall to become the running backs coach at Wisconsin.

Marshall Basketball: Herd Sinks ECU 64-61

2014-03-03T13:53:00.000-05:00

Stats

Huntington Herald Dispatch

Herd downs ECU

Chuck Landon: Herd needed to man up, so they did

Charleston Gazette

Late run lifts Herd past Pirates

Charleston Daily Mail

Herd squeaks by East Carolina

HerdZone

BOGACZYK: Herd Finds More Then One Route to Victory

Marshall Soccer: Crew Cuts Withrow

2014-03-02T09:54:00.000-05:00

Marshall lost its lone Major League Soccer representative yesterday as the Columbus Crew cut goalie Daniel Withrow.

Conference USA's 2012 co-defensive player of the year, Withrow was selected by Columbus in the second round of the MLS supplemental draft last year. Serving as the Crews third goalkeeper in 2013, Withrow appeared in three reserve league matches and played 40 minutes in the teams exhibition game against Wigan Athletic.

Withrow was the third former Marshall soccer player drafted into MLS, joining Jeremy Ashe (Chicago Fire 2006) and Byron Carmichael (Sporting Kansas City 2003).