HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Doc Holliday had rarely been one to spend much time worrying about issues beyond what he can control as Marshall’s football coach. So he spent just a moment Thursday after practice to address reports that Gov. Jim Justice attempted to have him fired.
“I’m sad. I think it’s sad, to be honest with you, sad day for everybody,” Holliday said. “That being said, I’m only concerned about this football team. My job is to coach this team, to be around these kids, love them and get them better so that we can become a better team. That’s the only thing I’m worried about.”
Hoppy Kercheval first reported on Wednesday that the governor met with top university officials twice in recent months suggesting they replace Holliday with former head coach Bob Pruett.
The Herd skidded to a 3-9 record last season but under Holliday had three consecutive 10-win seasons, including finishing 13-1 and No. 23 in the AP ranking in 2014.
Holliday is 53-37 in seven seasons at Marshall, appearing in two Conference USA championship games and going 4-0 in bowls.