Thundering Herd's Snyder resigns after 6-6 season

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- Marshall football coach Mark Snyder resigned Sunday, a day after the Thundering Herd lost 52-21 to UTEP to finish the regular season at 6-6.

Snyder, who went 21-37 in five seasons, said in a news release that he made the decision after meeting earlier in the day with athletic director Mike Hamrick.

Snyder, a 1988 Marshall graduate, said the two men agreed his resignation was in the best interests of the program.

"It has been an honor to be the coach here and I will always be appreciative of the opportunity my university gave me," Snyder said in the statement.

"I want to thank all of the fans for their support and all of my players and assistant coaches for their hard work and dedication. I wish the program nothing but the best."

Marshall athletic spokesman Randy Burnside said assistant coach Rick Minter would serve as interim coach if Marshall plays in a bowl game and the other assistant coaches would be retained for a bowl.

Hamrick said a search for a permanent head coach will begin immediately.

When Hamrick was hired on July 20, he said he would take a wait-and-see approach on Snyder's handling of the team.

"I want to thank Mark for his five years of service to Marshall University," Hamrick said. "He is a Marshall guy and we wish him the best in his future endeavors."

Marshall lost three of its last four games, and became bowl eligible on its third attempt two weeks ago in a 34-31 victory against SMU.

Attendance at Marshall home games fell steadily under Snyder and fans became increasingly agitated over the team's performances.

Marshall's stadium was half empty for its final three home games and the team averaged 22,236 in attendance this season, the lowest under Snyder and 2,000 fewer per game than a year ago.

Snyder came to Marshall just before the start of spring practice in 2005 after four seasons as an assistant at Ohio State. His hiring coincided with Marshall's move from the Mid-American Conference to Conference USA. But Snyder never produced a winning season and Marshall hasn't been to a bowl since 2004.

Snyder had more than three years left on his contract but hadn't received a contract extension since 2006.