Marshall, under second-year coach Tony Gibson, is moving on from offensive coordinator Rod Smith, two people with direct knowledge of the decision told USA TODAY Sports.
The move comes after the Thundering Herd
squandered a 10-point lead in a 20-16 home loss to Sun Belt Conference rival Appalachian State on Saturday, Nov. 14. A victory would have made Marshall bowl eligible for the first time under Gibson.Longtime coaching veteran Gunter Brewer is expected to take over offensive play-calling for Marshall’s final two regular-season games and, if the Herd earns a bowl bid, the postseason as well.
Smith was among Gibson’s first hires in January 2025, arriving from Jacksonville State after coordinating the No. 12 scoring offense in the FBS.
Marshall
finished 5-7 in 2025, but the offense showed enough promise that Smith was retained and received a pay increase.
The Herd's offense has struggled this season, particularly at quarterback. Carlos Del Rio-Wilson and Zion Turner have both started, combining for 10 interceptions.
Marshall ranks 109th nationally in scoring offense at 21.7 points per game.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Marshall football makes key coaching change with bowl hopes on the line
