Momentum is building around Shawnee State University’s long-awaited football program, and local leaders say it could mark the start of something big for the university and the region.
Shawnee State University has announced Mark Snyder, a veteran college football coach with nearly four decades of experience, as the first-ever head coach of the university’s new football program.
The announcement comes as SSU prepares to transition from NAIA athletics to NCAA Division II and the Mountain East Conference, with football set to begin competition in fall 2028.
University leaders say Snyder is exactly the right person to launch the program.
“Shawnee State is not only bringing NCAA college football to south central Ohio,” said SSU President Dr. Eric Braun. “We’re launching football with a highly accomplished leader who is one of us, understands how much this means to this region, and has the experience to build a championship-quality program for the future.”
A Coach with Deep Ohio Roots
Snyder brings 37 years of coaching experience at the highest levels of college football.
His resume includes:
- Head coach at Marshall University (2005–2009)
- Assistant coach on Ohio State’s 2002 national championship team
- Coaching roles at Florida State, Michigan State, Texas A&M, Minnesota, and Youngstown State
- Coaching in the United Football League with the Houston Gamblers and Orlando Guardians in 2022
Snyder also has deep ties to the region. He is a South Point native and Ironton High School graduate, and he began his coaching career in 1988 after graduating from Marshall University.
“This is an opportunity for me to take everything I’ve learned and accomplished over my career and build the best Division II football program from the ground up — and to do that right here where it all started for me,” Snyder said.
Athletics Director Gerald Cadogan said Snyder’s reputation and experience made him a natural choice.
“Mark Snyder is one of the most respected names in college football,” Cadogan said. “He’s the real deal and reflects the values and goals of SSU Athletics.”
Building a Program — and a Community
The football team will be developed over the next several years as Shawnee State completes its transition to NCAA Division II, where it will compete in the Mountain East Conference.
During that time, the university will:
- Hire additional coaching staff
- Recruit student-athletes
- Develop facilities for the program
Snyder said the goal is not just wins on the field, but building a program rooted in the community.
“We are going to chase excellence in every aspect of our lives,” Snyder said. “We will be excellent in the classroom, earn degrees, and be excellent in the community and serve others.”
Historic Stadium Set for New Life
A major piece of the plan involves revitalizing historic Spartan Stadium, once home to the Portsmouth Spartans, one of the original eight teams in the National Football League and the predecessor to today’s Detroit Lions.
Construction and upgrades to the stadium are expected to begin next spring, transforming the site into a home for SSU football and other university athletic programs.
“That’s a pretty strong foundation to build from,” Snyder said. “We plan to make this community proud.”
County Leaders Back the Vision
Local officials are also signaling their support for the project.
At Thursday’s meeting, the Scioto County Commissioners unanimously approved writing a letter supporting a grant nomination connected to Spartan Stadium.
County grant writer Amanda Page plans to seek recognition for the site through “America’s Irreplaceable Places,” an initiative of the World Monuments Fund.
Commissioner Scottie Powell said the effort aligns with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and could bring national attention to Portsmouth’s historic stadium.
“It spotlights the site,” Powell said. “Clearly we just had a major announcement with Mark Snyder and the energy at Shawnee State and the work that’s going to be going on down there. I do think it’s a worthwhile proposition.”
Big Expectations for the Future
For years, many in the community have talked about the possibility of football at Shawnee State. Now, with a respected coach in place, a conference home secured, and plans to restore a historic stadium, that vision is beginning to take shape.
University leaders say the project could boost student recruitment, community pride, and economic activity in Portsmouth.
And for Snyder, the goal is simple.
“To build something special here,” he said, “and make this community proud.”