Should Miami Consider Doc Holliday?

After last Saturdays 23 – 20 over time loss to South Florida, Miami University fired head football coach Randy Shannon. In four seasons at Miami, Shannon complied a 28 – 22 record and finished this season 7 – 5. Shannon was promoted to head coach from his defensive coordinator spot at Miami after the Hurricanes fired Larry Coker in November of 2006.

Rumors are already swirling about who will be Miami’s next head coach. Early candidates appear to be ESPN analysis John Gruden, Connecticut head coach Randy Esdall, ex-USF head coach Jim Leavitt, Georgia head coach Mark Richt, and Texas Tech head coach Tommy Tuberville. One name no one mentions is that of Marshall head coach Doc Holliday.

And why should they? Holiday is a one year head coach with a sub .500 record, not exactly a sparkling resume for one of college footballs power programs. If Gene Chizik was a long shot candidate at Auburn Holliday would be considered a moon shot for Miami. As a Marshall fan this pains me to say but if I were the U, I would take a hard look at Doc.

Why does Holliday make sense in Coral Gables? The most obvious reason is recruiting, Holliday has made a living by finding talent Florida. After being hired at Marshall in December of 2009 Holliday had a short 2 ½ months to recruit. In that small window of time Holliday added 11 commitments from Florida in a 25 man recruiting class. During his tenure at the University of Florida (2005 – 2007) Holliday served as the Gators recruiting coordinator and brought in many of the players responsible for two National Championships (2006 & 2008).

Holliday has also proven him self as a head coach. The Thundering Herd started 2010 1 – 6 before compiling a 4 – 1 record over the last 5 games to finish 5 – 7. While 5 – 7 might not sound impressive, finishing the year strong after a slow start is a testament to Holliday. A lot of teams, especially one under new management, would have folded after such a horrendous start but not Holliday’s Herd. Marshall also showed the ability to adapt during the season. After struggling on defense through the beginning of 2010 Holliday and defensive coordinator Chris Rippon switched Marshall’s defense to a 3 – 3 – 5 formation. The switch helped Marshall finish with Conference USA’s forth ranked defensive unit.

I don’t think Miami will be sniffing around Huntington any time soon. That is good news for Herd fans, I foresee a lot of victories at Marshall with Holliday in charge.