Marshall University Athletics
Staff Directory
- Title:
- Run Game Coordinator / Defensive Line Coach
- Email:
- Phone:
- ----
Anthony Leonard joined Marshall Football as an Assistant Coach in March 2026, bringing more than a decade of collegiate and professional coaching experience to the Herd. Leonard most recently served as the Defensive Line Coach at the University of Akron, where he led one of the nation’s most improved defensive fronts. Under his guidance, Akron’s defense made significant national ranking jumps in run defense, red-zone defense, sacks, tackles-for-loss, takeaways, and fourth-down efficiency, while producing multiple All-MAC performers.
Prior to Akron, Leonard served as Run Game Coordinator, Defensive Line Coach, and FG Block Coordinator at PennWest California, helping the Vulcans reach the 2024 NCAA Division II Playoff Quarterfinals, a PSAC Championship appearance, and a Coal Bowl victory. His unit produced three All-PSAC defensive linemen.
From 2021–2024, Leonard coached the defensive line and coordinated national recruiting at Fordham University, contributing to one of the Patriot League’s top defensive units and mentoring multiple All-Patriot League selections. He previously spent five seasons at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where his defensive line accounted for more than 92% of the team’s sacks and helped the program to three playoff berths, a national semifinal appearance, and a PSAC Championship.
Leonard’s background also includes coaching experience at West Virginia University as a defensive GA, annual coaching roles with the U.S. National Team, and an NFL internship with the Pittsburgh Steelers through the Bill Walsh Minority Fellowship.
A former standout linebacker at West Virginia University and a brief member of the New England Patriots, Leonard was a three-year team captain, played in four bowl games, and earned All-Big East honors. He holds both a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Coaching Education and a master’s degree in Communication from WVU.
