Report: Marshall Eyeing Former Steelers QB Byron Leftwich as Next Head Coach

After parting ways with head coach Doc Holliday on Monday, Marshall University is reportedly eyeing a familiar face to fill the vacancy. According to a report by FOX Sports’ Bruce Feldman, the school is interested in hiring former Pittsburgh Steelers and Thundering Herd quarterback and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich to be its next head coach.

Selected with the seventh pick in the 2003 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Leftwich spent time with four teams over his ten-year career. He spent three separate stints with the Steelers in 2008, 2010 and 2012, seeing action in eight games with one start.

Leftwich had an outstanding career for the Thundering Herd, passing for 11,903 yards and 89 touchdowns with 28 interceptions. He finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2002.

Doc Holliday is out at #Marshall. Word is, the Herd would love to bring back Byron Leftwich, but that seems doubtful he'd leave the NFL. Here's who else we hear that Marshall is expected to consider for its coaching search: https://t.co/FnlirrnNRR

— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) January 4, 2021

While it would be a fairy tale ending to see Leftwich return to lead his alma mater, it is unlikely he would leave the NFL at this point, as he is currently serving as the offensive coordinator for a playoff team.

Feldman also reports Marshall is interested in hiring former quarterback Chad Pennington as well. Pennington was a Heisman finalist in 1999, and finished as the programs all-time leader in passing yards, completions and touchdowns.