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Shannon Herd's new offensive coordinator

February 05, 2008 @ 11:59 PM

ANTHONY HANSHEW

The Herald-Dispatch

HUNTINGTON -- Former University of Toledo offensive coordinator John Shannon has accepted the same position at Marshall. Shannon was introduced at a Thundering Herd team meeting Tuesday afternoon.

Shannon, a veteran coach who spent the past three seasons running the Rockets offense, will be formally introduced today during a National Signing Day press conference. He replaces Larry Kueck, the Herd's offensive coordinator for six seasons.

His biography on www.utrockets.com describes Shannon as the mastermind behind Toledo's vaunted spread offense.

Toledo went 5-7 last season with an offense that averaged 32.9 points and 447.8 yards of total offense per game.

Shannon previously coached against Marshall during stints at Morehead State, Jackson State and Troy. He has spent the past five seasons at Toledo.

The long-time college coaching assistant takes over a Marshall offense deep at skill positions but uncertain at quarterback. Shannon's primary focus during spring drills will be identifying a new starting quarterback from a competitive group including Brian Anderson, Jonathan Garner, Wesley Beardain, Mark Cann and Chris Smith.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Bruce Gradkowski played under Shannon at Toledo.

Shannon's hiring completes Thundering Herd head coach Mark Snyder's roster of assistants for the coming season. Former University of Cincinnati head coach Rick Minter took over as defensive coordinator late last week.

The John Shannon file

Position: Marshall University offensive coordinator

Previous position: University of Toledo offensive coordinator (2005-07, assistant at UT overall since '03)

Other notable coaching stints: Troy offensive coordinator (2001-02); Jackson State offensive coordinator (1994-2000)

Age: 53

Hometown: Bowling Green, Ky.