Actually Marc irritated some people a lot longer before he advertised his coaching. Guys pushing 40 remember this.
He was a little more "demonstrative" than your usual distance runner. He wasn't the status quo for what traditionally you expect.
He built that reputation and people came to expect his act. I knew a guy who never watched a track meet, and saw his self-glorifying, attention-grabbing display after winning a televised indoor race it was sour to him as well.
But I'll have to say he is a good guy, he's enthusiastic, and he's not all about himself in a sport that requires selfishness.
The guy made sure one OLY trials after I was pretty liquored up that I made it back to the hotel safe and sound. Most of my friends, and myself, would have said, "good luck-see ya, you're on your own, hope you make it."