Marshall University head football coach Mark Snyder announced Friday the hiring of Mike Cassity as the Thundering Herd’s defensive secondary coach.

“I am excited to have a coach with Mike’s wealth of experience join our staff,” Snyder said. “Sometimes change creates opportunity and we are fortunate to be able to bring in a coach, not only with great experience, but a proven record of success.”

Cassity, a native of Fort Campbell, Ky., has 33 years of coaching experience and seven as a coordinator at the NCAA Division I level. He has coached a total of 34 players who have gone on to the National Football League.

He most recently served as defensive coordinator at the University of Louisville from 2004 to 2007. During his tenure in Louisville, the Cardinals’ defense ranked among the Top 40 in the nation in total defense each season.

“Having been a coach for 30 years and knowing the tradition of college football, it is an honor to be a part of Coach Snyder’s staff here at Marshall University,” Cassity said.

During the Cardinals’ 2006 Orange Bowl winning season, the Cardinals finished second in the nation in sacks with 17 different players recording sacks and ranked 17th in the country in scoring defense. Louisville’s defense had two first-team All-Big East selections that year in defensive tackle Amobi Okoye and cornerback William Gay.

Louisville held six opponents to 13 or fewer points including a shutout at Temple.

In 2005, the Cardinals finished 21st in the country in rushing defense and 23rd in scoring defense. Louisville held four opponents to less than 20 points in a game.