Before we enter the 2024 Football season, we are doing our annual Position Group Breakdown Series on our flagship podcast, The ThunderCast. First up in the series was the Coaching Staff. Links to the episode from 6/14 are below, with the breakdown segment starting at 31:52. Give it a watch or listen for a deeper analysis on the Coaching Staff.
And now for the summary of our discussion. . .
Phil Steele’s Sun Belt Conference Ranking
Phil Steele had Marshall as the 5th-ranked staff out of 14 in the SBC. Overall, the Football team was picked to finish 2nd in the SBC East by Steele.
The Current Coaching Staff
Head Coach – Charles Huff (4th Year)
Offensive Coordinator – Seth Doege (1st Year)
Defensive Coordinator – Jason Semore (2nd Year) – Also Linebackers (1st Year)
Special Teams – Jonathan Galante (3rd Year)
Running Backs – Telly Lockette (4th Year)
Offensive Line – Cody Crill (1st Year)
Wide Receivers – Aaron Dobson (1st Year) – Promoted from Offensive Analyst position
Tight Ends – Josh Miller – (1st Year)
Defensive Line – Ralph Street (4th Year)
Cornerbacks – Henry Baker (1st Year) – Also Co-Defensive Coordinator
Safeties Coach – Bob Shoop – (1st Year) – Promoted from Defensive Analyst position
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Performance – Ben Ashford (4th Year)
Note: After the episode aired, two coaches received promotions for taking on additional roles with the staff. Telly Lockette added Associate Head Coach as a title, and Bob Shoop added Assistant Head Coach as a title.
Departures from the 2023 Staff
Offensive Coordinator – Clint Trickett > Tight Ends/Inside Receivers/Passing Game Coordinator – Georgia Southern
Co-Defensive Coordinator/Cornerbacks – Chevis Jackson > Cornerbacks – Miami
Offensive Line – Bill Legg > Offensive Analyst – Minnesota
Wide Receivers – Jovon Bouknight > Nothing announced
Linebackers – Shannon Morrison > Nothing announced
Tight Ends – Derek Shay > Offensive Quality Control – Kentucky
Additions to the 2024 Staff
Offensive Coordinator – Seth Doege < Tight Ends – Purdue
Offensive Line – Cody Crill < Tight Ends – DC Defenders (XFL)
Tight Ends – Josh Miller < Offesnive Analyst – Purdue
Cornerbacks/Co-Defensive Coordinator – Henry Baker < Cornerbacks – Maryland
Which Newcomer Has the Most Pressure to Succeed in 2024?
Rus’ Pick: Seth Doege
KD’s Pick: Seth Doege
Biggest Challenges Facing the Staff in 2024
Rus and KD: 1. Implementing a new offensive scheme with so many new pieces.
Will the Air Raid be Successful in 2024?
KD says: It comes down to can you get the quarterback you need to run the Air Raid or modified Air Raid. Also concerned about finding the correct offensive line mix for the Air Raid and enough dynamic pass catchers for it as well. That is why he is concerned about it being successful in the first year. He ultimately answers, “I don’t know,” but clarifies it will be serviceable in year one but not necessarily a program-changing thing in year one.
Rus says: With the current transfer portal situation, it can be done in one year. He “thinks it will be successful,” but is not willing to commit at this time that being successful transfers into a certain number of wins.
As mentioned, there is a lot more discussion on the episode, so if you want to hear more about the individual coaches and what we might expect going into the 2024 season, give the episode a listen or view.
Up next in this series was the breakdown for Special Teams, and that article will be published soon to go with the episode that is already out.
