Another thing that slowed the search was the wait for President Smith to take over. Not many qualified people would apply for an AD position knowing that the President is about to change if their job is stable in their current position. The new president could want to bring in his/her own people. Now that President Smith has taken over more people or maybe even better qualified people may apply.
If you read the article (dated December 13), Smith was involved with picking the selection committee. Smith was officially the incoming president so I doubt if his transitioning slow it down. It seem clear that Smith was involved at the beginning. The below information is from CarrSports which was hired by Marshall. JMO.
"According to President Jerome A. Gilbert, who is stepping down as president at the end of December, he and incoming president Brad D. Smith have formed a nine-person search committee charged with advancing a slate of finalists for consideration.
Gilbert said he and Smith, who have been working closely on the transition, believe that identifying a new athletic director is one of the highest priorities for the university and agreed not to wait until Smith officially begins his presidency on Jan. 1, 2022, to start the search. Smith will make the final hiring decision, with an announcement expected in February."
https://www.carrsportsconsulting.com/marshall-university-retains-carrsports-for-athletic-director-search/