Top 10 Coaching Candidates According to The Headset

What a roller coaster it’s been under Head Ball Coach Charles Huff. We’ve experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows. With the Huff experiment officially in our rearview mirror, it is now time to move on as a program. I’ve heard a few rumors about who might be considered for the job, but nothing official yet. It’s important to note that the following list is based solely on my personal opinion and in no way reflects the university’s decisions for the future.

With all that being said, let’s dive into the list.

The Breakdown

I’ll be ranking these candidates based on how much I’d like them to be our next Head Ball Coach, starting with the least of the desirable.

10. Brad Lambert (Wake Forest Defensive Coordinator)

At age 59, Lambert is no stranger to college football—or to Marshall University. His coaching career began at MU, where he served from 1990 to 1995 under Head Coach Jim Donnan, playing a role in the historic 1992 national championship squad. After stints at several programs and as head coach of the Charlotte 49ers, Lambert returned to Huntington from 2019 to 2020 as the Defensive Coordinator under Doc Holliday.

When Holliday departed in 2020, many fans speculated Lambert would be next in line, but the job went to Charles Huff instead. Since then, Lambert has had solid runs as a Defensive Coordinator at Wake Forest and Purdue. While his history with the Herd and his experience as a head coach make him an interesting candidate, I doubt he’ll be seriously considered for the position moving forward.

9. Quinn Sanders (University of Charleston Head Coach)

This one’s a fun pick. Sanders is a young, up-and-coming head coach climbing the football ranks. Currently, he’s just an hour east of Huntington, coaching at the University of Charleston.

Since taking over the Golden Eagles, Sanders has been exceptional. After a lackluster first season, his teams have achieved back-to-back double-digit win seasons, setting historical records along the way. In 2023, Sanders’ squad went 10-2, won the Mountain East Conference, and made it to the second round of the Division II playoffs, finishing the season ranked 18th. This year (2024), the team went 11-1, again winning the Mountain East and finishing ranked #6 nationally.

While his track record is impressive, Sanders’ lack of Division I experience makes me hesitant, which is why he’s ranked 9th.

8. Clint Killough (Incarnate Word Head Coach)

Killough is another rising star in coaching, currently making waves at FCS Incarnate Word. A former Texas State Bobcat and standout quarterback for Incarnate Word, Killough has a high football IQ, particularly on offense.

His coaching career began as a graduate assistant at Bowling Green before returning to Incarnate Word to work his way up the ranks. In 2022, he was promoted to head coach. Under his leadership, Incarnate Word has thrived, going 8-2 in 2023 and 10-2 in 2024, winning the Southland Conference and advancing in the FCS playoffs.

At just 31 years old, Killough brings youthful energy and could be a long-term hire. However, his age and relative inexperience keep him lower on the list.

7. Alex Mirabal (Miami Offensive Line Coach)

This one’s a long shot. Mirabal, a longtime position coach, is well-known for his time at Marshall as the Offensive Line Coach under Doc Holliday. Despite his diminutive stature (5’4”, 130 lbs), Mirabal is widely regarded as one of the best O-line coaches in the country.

Since leaving Marshall, he’s followed Coach Cristobal to Oregon and now Miami, where he’s helped build one of the best offenses in the nation. While he’d be a dream hire for Herd fans, Mirabal seems content with his current role and unlikely to pursue a head coaching position.

6. Tony Gibson (Defensive Coordinator, NC State)

A native of Van, WV, Gibson is a familiar name to Herd fans. He’s coached at Glenville State, WV Tech, Michigan, Pitt, Arizona, and most notably, WVU, where he served as Defensive Coordinator from 2013 to 2018.

Since 2019, Gibson has been the DC at NC State, where he’s built strong defenses in the ACC. Rumors suggest he has a desire to return to West Virginia, making him an intriguing candidate. A Gibson-led Herd program could feel similar to the early years of Doc Holliday’s tenure, which began at… checks notes… NC State.

5. Byron Leftwich (Unemployed)

Let’s address the elephant in the room: hiring Byron Leftwich would be a blockbuster move. A proven offensive mind, Leftwich excelled as Offensive Coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, guiding them to a Super Bowl. His firing felt more like scapegoating than a reflection of his ability, and he hasn’t returned to coaching yet.

So why is he only 5th? Simply put, Leftwich is an NFL-caliber coach likely waiting for the right pro opportunity. While the idea of him coming home to coach Marshall is thrilling, it’s probably unrealistic.

4. Brent Vigen (Montana State Head Coach)

Vigen, 49, is a proven winner with a background in offensive development. After 15 years at FCS powerhouse North Dakota State, he helped develop NFL star Josh Allen while serving as OC/QB Coach at Wyoming.

Since 2021, Vigen has led Montana State to consistent success, including an undefeated 12-0 season in 2024. While his ties to the West Coast might make a move to Huntington unlikely, his track record suggests he’d be an outstanding hire.

3. Lance Guidry (Defensive Coordinator, Miami)

Guidry only spent two seasons at Marshall, but he left a lasting impression, crafting some of the best defenses in recent memory. Since leaving, he’s continued his success at Miami, helping the Hurricanes field one of the top defenses in the nation.

Guidry is ready for a head coaching role, and many Herd fans would love to see him return.

2. Rich Rodriguez (Jacksonville State Head Coach)

Rich Rod needs no introduction. A West Virginia legend, he’s one of the most polarizing figures in the state’s football history. Since taking over at Jacksonville State, he’s transitioned the program from FCS to FBS with remarkable success, including a 9-4 debut season in 2023.

Rumors suggest Rich Rod’s camp has reached out to Marshall. While opinions on him may vary, there’s no denying his tenure would be captivating.

1. Seth Doege (Marshall Offensive Coordinator)

At 35, Doege has revitalized Marshall’s offense after years of mediocrity. A disciple of Mike Leach’s Air Raid system, Doege has developed QB Braylon Braxton into a star and transformed the Herd into one of the most dynamic offenses in the SBC.

Doege’s energy, player relationships, and potential for growth make him my top choice to lead the Herd into 2025 and beyond.

All in all, the coaching search will be fascinating to watch. Let me know if there are other candidates you think should be on this list, and let your voice be HERD!

Headset Out…