Introduction
Charles Huff is a prominent American college football coach, best known for his head-coaching tenure at Marshall Thundering Herd (2021-2024) and his 2025 move to Southern Miss Golden Eagles. As of December 2024, Huff signed a new contract with Southern Miss, marking a new chapter in his coaching journey. This article delves into his personal life, coaching history, salary details, contract terms and the 2025 transition.
Personal Life & Family
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Charles Huff hails from Denton, Maryland. He grew up on a small farm, the youngest of four siblings. His upbringing on a family farm helped instill a strong work ethic and resilience — qualities that later shaped his coaching philosophy.
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He is married to Jessica Huff (née Jessica Kern). Together, they have three sons: B.J., Beau and Blaze.
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Off the field, Jessica is active in community service. Since moving with Charles to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, she’s pursued philanthropic work through her foundation, the Jessica Kern Foundation — focusing on education, youth outreach and empowerment.
Coaching Career: Marshall Era
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Charles Huff played college football at Hampton University as a walk-on fullback, eventually becoming a team captain and starting at center his senior year (2005).
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He began his coaching career in 2006 and over the years served in multiple roles (offensive line, running backs, special teams) at institutions including Tennessee State University, Maryland, Western Michigan, Vanderbilt, Penn State, Mississippi State, and even a stint in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills.
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In January 2021, he was hired as Marshall’s head coach — making him the first Black head coach for Marshall at the FBS level.
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Over four seasons (2021–2024), his record at Marshall was 32–20 (.615) overall and 20–12 (.625) in conference play.
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Key achievements at Marshall:
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2022: Upset win over No. 8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (26–21), only the second top-10 win in program history.
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2022: First bowl win as head coach — in the Myrtle Beach Bowl vs. UConn.
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2024: Captured the conference title with a resounding 31–3 win over Louisiana — marking Marshall’s first conference championship in a decade.
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2025: New Role at Southern Miss & Contract Details
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On December 8, 2024, Charles Huff was officially named head coach of Southern Miss — becoming the 23rd head coach in the program’s history.
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His contract with Southern Miss is a four-year deal, with an annual salary of US $950,000.
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The contract includes an automatic one-year extension option, extending the term up to 2029.
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In addition, there is a salary pool allocated for assistant coaches and support staff under his tenure.
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The move to Southern Miss came after a contract stalemate with Marshall — despite the 2024 championship season.
What the Move Means: Challenges & Opportunities in 2025
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Southern Miss was coming off a rough season (1-11) when Huff was hired. That means he begins with a major rebuilding task — both in terms of roster and program culture.
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Huff’s reputation as a strong recruiter and developer of talent — demonstrated in prior roles at major programs — could be instrumental in reviving Southern Miss’s fortunes.
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Off the field, with Jessica Huff’s foundation and community work, the Huff family appears committed to integrating into and contributing to the Hattiesburg community.
Summary
Charles Huff’s journey — from walk-on at Hampton to head coach at Southern Miss — reflects a blend of perseverance, versatility, and ambition. With a stable contract and family backing, he begins 2025 with a renewed mission: transform Southern Miss into a competitive and community-oriented football program. His personal life, including his wife Jessica and their three sons, and their shared commitment to community service, adds a deeper dimension beyond the gridiron.
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