Charles Huff Set to Leave Marshall for Southern Miss After Dominant Sun Belt Season
It’s official: the coaching carousel in college football is spinning at full speed, and Charles Huff is the latest name to jump aboard. After leading the Marshall Thundering Herd to a commanding Sun Belt Conference title, Huff is reportedly on the verge of becoming the next head coach at Southern Miss. According to sources, the deal is expected to be finalized as early as Sunday. This move marks a significant shift for both programs, and the ripple effects are already being felt across the Sun Belt.
Marshall’s Dominant Season Ends on a High Note
Let’s start with the facts: Marshall capped off an incredible season Saturday night by dismantling Louisiana in Lafayette with a decisive 31-3 victory. This win not only secured the Sun Belt Conference title but also underscored the Thundering Herd’s dominance in league play. Marshall finished the season with an 8-1 record against Sun Belt opponents, a testament to Huff’s leadership and the team’s resilience.
For Marshall fans, this season was nothing short of magical. High-profile wins over programs like Notre Dame and Virginia Tech over the past three years have elevated the program’s profile. But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and Huff’s departure feels like the closing of a remarkable chapter for the Thundering Herd.
Southern Miss: A Program in Need of Revival
On the flip side, Southern Miss is a program in desperate need of a turnaround. The Golden Eagles endured a brutal 1-11 season, failing to win a single game in Sun Belt play. The struggles led to the firing of head coach Will Hall back in late October, leaving the program searching for a fresh start. Enter Charles Huff.
Huff’s move to Southern Miss isn’t exactly a shocker. With his contract at Marshall in its final year, Huff had been linked to multiple coaching searches throughout the season. He reportedly turned down an extension at Marshall due to steep buyout terms, essentially betting on himself. That gamble appears to have paid off, as he now takes the reins of a Southern Miss program that hasn’t seen consistent success since Larry Fedora’s tenure, which ended in 2010. The Golden Eagles have been bowl-eligible just once in the past five years, but Huff’s track record suggests he could be the man to change that.
What Huff Brings to Southern Miss
So, what exactly is Southern Miss getting in Charles Huff? For starters, they’re bringing in a coach with a 32-20 overall record and four bowl appearances in four seasons. That kind of consistency is something Southern Miss fans can only dream of after years of mediocrity. Huff also boasts an impressive coaching pedigree, having worked under some of the biggest names in college football, including Nick Saban, James Franklin, Dan Mullen, and P.J. Fleck. If there’s anyone who can rebuild a program, it’s someone with Huff’s experience and connections.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what Huff’s arrival could mean for Southern Miss:
- Stability: Huff’s track record of success suggests he can bring much-needed stability to a program that’s been in flux for years.
- Recruiting Power: With his background and connections, Huff could help Southern Miss attract top-tier talent to compete in the Sun Belt.
- Winning Culture: Huff’s ability to lead Marshall to high-profile wins and a conference title shows he knows how to build a winning culture.
What’s Next for Marshall?
As for Marshall, the search for Huff’s replacement is already underway. According to ESPN’s Chris Low, NC State defensive coordinator Tony Gibson is the top target to take over the program. Whoever steps into Huff’s shoes will have big expectations to meet, especially after the Thundering Herd’s stellar 2024 season.
Marshall fans will undoubtedly be sad to see Huff go, but his departure is a testament to the program’s growth under his leadership. The Thundering Herd are now a force to be reckoned with in the Sun Belt, and that’s a legacy Huff can be proud of as he moves on to his next challenge.
The Bottom Line
Charles Huff’s move to Southern Miss is a win-win for both parties. Southern Miss gets a proven winner to lead their program out of the doldrums, while Huff gets a fresh start and a chance to prove himself in a new environment. For Marshall, it’s the end of an era, but also an opportunity to build on the foundation Huff has laid. As the coaching carousel continues to spin, one thing is clear: the Sun Belt Conference just got a whole lot more interesting.
Originally Written by: Pete Thamel
