Marshall coach Charles Huff is set to leave for Southern Miss following a contract standoff, ending speculation about his future. This move comes just after he led Marshall to its first conference championship since 2014 with a decisive 31-3 victory over Louisiana. Despite rumors of a potential departure before the championship game, Huff opted to negotiate with Marshall for a new contract but ultimately decided to accept the offer from Southern Miss. The program, struggling under former coach Will Hall, hopes Huff can revive its fortunes as one of the top teams in the Group of Five. Meanwhile, NC State defensive coordinator Tony Gibson is a front-runner to take over at Marshall.

By the Numbers
  • Huff's record at Marshall: 32 wins and 20 losses over four seasons.
  • Huff's last season salary: $755,500; Hall's salary at Southern Miss: $824,000.
State of Play
  • Marshall has targeted NC State's Tony Gibson as Huff's replacement.
  • Southern Miss is trying to recover from a 14-30 record under former coach Will Hall.
What's Next

Expect Huff to officially join Southern Miss shortly, aiming to enhance the team's performance and possibly reinvigorate its historical success. Marshall will likely pursue a quick hiring process for Gibson to maintain momentum following their recent championship win.

Bottom Line

Huff’s departure to Southern Miss highlights the challenges of contract negotiations in college football as programs strive for stability. For Marshall, hiring Gibson could symbolize a fresh start with local roots, while Southern Miss hopes Huff can recapture past glory.