Louisiana Tech will replace Marshall as Army’s opponent in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, it was announced Saturday.

The announcement came after Marshall officials informed bowl officials that the Thundering Herd would not be able to participate, sources told ESPN, following a recent wave of players entering the transfer portal amid a coaching change.

“It is unfortunate that Marshall has decided that they will not be able to participate in the bowl in a few weeks,” Missy Setters, Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl general manager, said in a statement. “Our goal was to create the best matchup possible for our local fans and college football fans across the country, and we believe we have accomplished that with two conference champions. We are excited to host Louisiana Tech and are thrilled to have found an opponent for the Army.”

The Thundering Herd, who won the Sun Belt Conference title, were scheduled to play AAC champion Army on Dec. 28 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Marshall coach Charles Huff left the same post at Southern Miss a day after the Sun Belt title game after failing to agree on a new contract with the school. The Herd quickly hired NC State defensive coordinator Tony Gibson as Huff’s replacement. The Army meets the Navy later Saturday.

As of Saturday morning, Marshall has 36 players in the transfer portal, including 29 scholarship players and 17 players on the team’s roster for the Sun Belt title game. All three Thundering Herd quarterbacks who played this season are in the portal, including starter Braylon Braxton, the Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year.

Defensive end Mike Green, the Sun Belt Player of the Year, was selected for the NFL draft on Friday. A number of Marshall employees have also left the company, with some joining Huff at Southern Miss.

ESPN’s Max Olson, Chris Low and Pete Thamel contributed to this report.