Not So Fast

It would appear our presumptions about Snyder's contract were completely incorrect. Everyone had assumed this resignation would mean that Marshall University would be able to cut it's losses and not have to pay out another cent to Mark Snyder. However, we seemed to underestimate what a nice guy Mike Hamrick is.

So, it would appear that Mark Snyder is going to have his contract honored, the price of mediocrity? $537,000

Well, that's the estimate anyway. It isn't an exact number, but thanks to certain government regulations that require disclosure for things like this I would imagine the number is almost spot on.

Besides, that Ohio State payout is estimated at around $800,000. I suppose Marshall can afford it.

"We will still honor our contractual obligations to Mark," Hamrick said. "It's the right thing to do."

It's the right thing to do, I hate to say it but he's right. Snyder is a "Marshall Guy" whatever that means these days. I really wish him the best in whatever is next for him and I hope the Youngstown State rumors are true, he just needs to start over. It would also help if he didn't try to micromanage everything.

Anyway, that's neither here nor there and what is still here is the coaching search, and the good news is Hamrick is confident, so I guess that means Marshall fans should be as well.

"We'll start that immediately," Hamrick said. "Once the word gets out the phone will be ringing off the hook. I promise you we'll have 50 candidates in one day who want this job."

Let's hope that one of those 50 is qualified, and hey who knows maybe by continuing to pay Snyder that good karma will come back to the Herd nation.

What goes around comes around, right?

The Hammer Drops

This time it came squarely down up on the head of Mark Snyder, the now former Marshall University Football coach.



The story line came across the wire this morning curtosy of our friends over at ESPN, then saying that the ball coach had been sent packing. Then at about 3PM Eastern time the Huntington Herald-Dispatch cleaned things up and sent out the Athletic Department's actual word on what went down. Resignation was the case that they gave me...

Ok, sorry I got a little off there, but that is how things have been presented. So what does this mean?

First and foremost Marshall University needs a new head coach. Secondly but most importantly, no one has to pay a dime to Snyder for a buyout. A buyout, which by the way would have been in the neighborhood of half a million dollars by most estimates.

After five years since returning to the Alma Mater, Snyder took Marshall to no post season appearances, conference championships, not even a division title. His final record was 22-37, with a 17-23 mark in Conference USA.

The Thundering Herd may make the post season this year following a 6-6 record, it would be the first time Marshall has been to that point since 2004(which was a losing effort against then C-USA Louisville). However by most assessments, this could be a bit of a stretch.

Of course at this point none of that really matters, as finding the next helmsman for the Herd is of course priority number one. Some seem to think Rick Minter(Defensive Coordinator) will be tabbed to be the Interim Head Coach should Marshall make a bowl game. The rumblings I have heard though seem to indicate that Minter's days are numbered as well.

Athletic Director Mike Hamrick has allegedly brought in the consulting firm Eastman and Beaudine to assist in the search. Herd fans may recall that name as it was also the same group hired by the University to bring in Mr. Hamrick.

Regardless of where the search is going or who is targeted, the most important thing is to bring the next guy in soon so he has plenty of time to get acclimated and get the players up to speed.

Winning takes time.

Not everyone wants to give people that time though. Five years is too long, but it's only a few months until the spring.

You have to give the guy time, so get can get back to what's important.

In the words of Al Davis, "Just win, baby!"

Take a Break - Look Around

After a busy Fall and Winter season, blurring quickly from soccer, to football and now into the early stages of basketball season, a merciful break came my way. It is not very often that free time actually comes my way, and I can't say I enjoy the down time, but I have to remind myself to sometimes.

After taking part in the usuals, visiting family, talking to friends, it was important to get back to what truly mattered - Sports.

Luckily I got to enjoy a few of the week's events before getting settled down to watch the Lonestar Showdown (where I back the Aggies every year, gig 'em!) then it was time to get back into the swing of Marshall University athletics. Women's basketball, Men's hoops and Herd Football were all in the fold from Pittsburgh, to El Paso.

It pains me to recall, but the night did not end well for this fan. Men's Basketball triumphed over rival Ohio University, but the other two faltered. Which has for the most part, become the standard for the football squad these past few seasons. Although it would appear that embattled head coach Mark Snyder would be on his way out with in the next 24-48 hours if the rumor mill is correct.

Irregardless of who is at the front of the football team next year, or the results of any of the teams I follow, the break is most important. Sure at times I don't really enjoy it, but that is because I am so used to the hectic pace of my life. I guess that's my little moral in this story, love what you do, but don't forget to love the pauses, even if they are brief.

Now, where did that stat sheet go?

Back to the grind.