After a disappointing 2024 season, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, the Miami Hurricanes made a major move by firing their former defensive coordinator, Lance Guidry. Just over a week later, they made an exciting hire by announcing Corey Hetherman as their new defensive coordinator.
Hetherman joins Miami after a successful year as the defensive coordinator at Minnesota. Under his leadership, the Golden Gophers finished among the top 5 in total defense and top 10 in scoring defense, a performance that earned Hetherman both an extension and a raise from Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck in December. Despite the reward from Minnesota, Miami was able to poach Hetherman, bringing him to Coral Gables to take over their defense.
Before his time at Minnesota, Hetherman made a name for himself at James Madison, where he was named the AFCA FCS Assistant Coach of the Year in 2021. He helped guide James Madison to a 12-2 record and played a key role in the program’s transition from FCS to FBS. Following that, he moved to Rutgers, where he coached linebackers and faced off against Miami in their bowl game in 2023.
Hetherman is known for his aggressive, attacking defensive style, and he emphasizes strong communication across all levels of the defense. His preference for a 4-down defensive front aligns with Miami’s traditional defensive approach when the Hurricanes have been at their best. The focus on communication is particularly crucial, as it ensures that all players are on the same page, which is key to running an effective defense.
As Miami moves forward with Hetherman as their new defensive leader, the program is hopeful that his track record of success and his tactical approach will revitalize their defense. While the full coaching staff remains to be finalized, this hire is a promising step in the right direction, and fans are eager to see how Hetherman’s impact will be felt on the field in the coming seasons.
