Marcum: Marshall job is up for grabs
By Mitch Vingle
Sports Editor

The search for a new Marshall football coach is on.

In a big way.

On Thursday, a day after Bob Pruett announced his resignation, MU athletic director Bob “Kayo’’ Marcum said his phone has been anything but quiet.

“I haven’t had anything more than, oh, 80, 90 calls,’’ Marcum said. “Also, there have been maybe a dozen agents call that represent a dozen or more coaches.

“So, yes, it’s been a nice, quiet day. Just sitting here, eating bonbons.’’

Marcum was kidding about the candy. But he knows replacing Pruett isn’t going to be a piece of cake.

Certainly, Marcum has the option of selecting his school’s interim coach, Larry Kueck, the former offensive coordinator.

“Larry is the interim appointment,’’ Marcum said. “We decided what we needed to focus on is spring practice [which opens today]. No way should we delay that.’’

Marcum said, however, there is no guarantee Kueck will finish spring drills as the head coach. There are no guarantees at all, said the AD.

“We’ll search until a decision is made,’’ Marcum said. “If Larry is there at the end, great. If not, we’ll go in another direction. It is what it is.’’

Among the other names being tossed around include ex-MU assistants like James Madison head coach Mickey Matthews, Ohio State defensive coordinator Mark Snyder and Minnesota offensive coordinator Tony Petersen.

Also, former West Virginia University assistant and current Florida assistant John “Doc’’ Holliday is said to be interested.

“I don’t want to get into all who have called,’’ Marcum said.

Marcum announced Thursday the formation of a three-person candidate screening committee: Menis Ketchum, vice chairman of MU’s Board of Governors and chairman of the board’s athletic committee; Larry Tweel, President of the Big Green Scholarship Foundation; and Dr. Robert Bookwalter, MU’s NCAA faculty athletics representative.

The AD said he “doesn’t have a timetable’’ on making a hire.

“I just wanted our players to concentrate on spring ball,’’ Marcum said. “I mean, we could have delayed that, but for how long? The coaches wanted to go ahead with spring ball.’’

To contact sports editor Mitch Vingle, use e-mail or call 348-4827.

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