Marshall ’s search should include current staffer Minter

Former Cincinnati head coach is Herd’s Defensive Coordinator

While Marshall Athletic Director Mike Hamrick’s comments concerning the athletic department seeking to acquire major financial contributions indicate the Herd is attempting to make a move at a more “high-profile” candidate to replace Mark Snyder, the new leader of MU Athletics would be wise to at least gauge the interest of current defensive coordinator Rick Minter.

Minter, 55, spent ten seasons as the head coach at the University of Cincinnati from 1994 to 2003. During that time, he compiled a 53-63-1 record. While that mark certainly doesn’t jump off the page and would cause on-the-surface observers to not give a coach a second look, Minter was actually very responsible for building the program to the point where it could successfully make the transition from Conference USA to the Big East under current Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio.

When the well-respected defensive mind inherited the top spot from Tim Murphy in 1993, the program had just posted its first winning season (8-3) since 1982. Attendance in Nippert Stadium was poor to say the least. Murphy left to take the head job at FCS and Ivy League member Harvard.

Minter, who was the defensive coordinator for Lou Holtz at Notre Dame and South Carolina, produced five winning and six non-losing campaigns during his decade at the helm. He won seven or more games on four occasions and took the Bearcats to three bowls.

While he may not be the flashy hire that the Marshall Fan base—which is probably seeking new blood—wants, it could behoove Mike Hamrick to at least ask Minter if he is interested in the job. The veteran would bring ten years of head coaching experience to a proud program that is desperately seeking to rebuild itself into a winner while also revitalizing a seemingly demoralized fan base.