Marshall finally made official what we’ve all known for days: Chuck Heater will lead the Thundering Herd defense in 2013 and he will coach the secondary.
“Chuck is one of the most respected coaches in the nation and will bring with him a proven track record of success,” Marshall head coach Doc Holliday said. “He has helped win three national titles and I’m tremendously excited for him to join our staff.”
At 60 years old, Heater has been a college coach for 37 years and has a resume that includes two national titles as an assistant at Florida, where he served as the co-defensive coordinator and assistant defensive coordinator during a six-year stint.
“He’s one of the best teachers. I used to just sit in his meetings and watch him coach,” said Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, who mentored Heater at Florida. “Coach Heater has a tendency of making some players out of non-players.”
Heater served on the Gators coaching staff with Holliday, and when Marshall’s defensive coordinator position came open in December the two immediately connected. Holliday has shown he likes to surround himself with coaches he has worked with in past and share the same philosophies as he does.
“It is a great day for me personally to get reunited with Coach Holliday,” said Heater. “I consider Doc one of the truly outstanding coaches in this profession and am excited to re-connect with my West Virginia roots. I look forward to my contribution in returning Marshall to football greatness.”
Holliday made it clear from the start that he was looking for a coach with previous experience as a coordinator. Heater has his work cut out for him. Marshall’s defense ranked as one of the worst in the country in 2012 and was largely the reason The Herd missed out on the postseason. Heater’s credentials indicate he may be able to harness the raw talent on defense and turn potential into production.
Heater coached Florida’s secondary in 2010 when the Gators recorded 16 interceptions, the most in the SEC. They were second in the nation in pass defense and four opponents failed to crack the 100-yard mark against the Gators.
Granted, there is a colossal difference in the caliber of players starting for Florida and playing at Marshall, but being a proven winner and having a history of success can go a long way in earning players trust and respect.
Marshall’s success in 2013 will be directly related to Heater’s success installing and implementing a new defensive system. The man that led Temple, traditionally one of the worst football programs in the country, seems up to the task to turn around Marshall’s defense as well.