HUNTINGTON, W.Va.– Just days after Marshall’s 31-20 win over Maryland in the Military Bowl, Athletics Director Mike Hamrick is looking to the future and wants to make certain Head Coach Doc Holliday is a part of it. During an appearance on Metronews Talkline on Monday, Hamrick revealed he has already talked to Holliday about extending his contract.
“Our people feel, I know I do, our president does, that our football program is in great shape and we want to keep Doc Holliday here at Marshall University for a long, long time,” Hamrick said on Metronews Talkline.
Holliday signed a five-year contract when he was initially hired in 2009 worth $600,000 a year with incentives built in that could push compensation up to $700,000 a year. The incentives included $10,000 for a Conference USA East Division Championship, $20,000 for a C-USA Title and $20,000 for a bowl berth.
Holliday received a one-year contract extension following the 2011 season when The Herd finished the year 7-6 and won the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl.
“I think he’s going to be here a long time,” asserted Hamrick.
Holliday’s record at Marshall is 27-24 in four years as Marshall’s head coach, including two bowl wins and an appearance in the Conference USA Championship Game.
Hamrick would be wise to lock in Holliday for several more years as the future appears extremely bright for the Marshall football program. The Herd notched ten wins in 2013 for the first time since 2002. The offense averaged 42.1 points per game this year. That is second all-time to only the 1996 team that averaged 43.9 points per game. And that 1996 team featured Chad Pennington and Randy Moss.
The defense progressed dramatically from 2012 to 2013 thanks in large part to Holliday hiring new defensive coordinator Chuck Heater. The Herd’s scoring defense improved by 20 points per game over last year and of the top 12 tacklers on the team only defensive end Alex Bazzie has used up his eligibility.
Additionally, construction continues on the brand new indoor practice facility next door to Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
“I think Doc and I are more interested in extending it then building in the compensation after that,” said Hamrick. “I think he’s happy. He’s told me he’s happy here. I’m happy with him. Our president is happy with him.”
Holliday will address the media for a final time on Jan. 13 to wrap up the 2013 season.