Since Al Golden’s firing earlier this week, talk has centered exclusively on who will comprise the next Miami coaching staff.
Names such as Mark Stoops, Greg Schiano, Lane Kiffin, and of course Butch Davis have been batted around by Miami fans as ideal replacements. Former Canes greats such as Warren Sapp and Michael Irvin have offered their opinions as well, and have stated they are willing to assist in the hiring process.
But if the fan base had their way, who would make up Miami’s next coaching staff? A man can dream can’t he?
Head Coach
Butch Davis
Butch Davis is hands down, the number one pick for the vacant position. Davis coached at Miami from 1995-2000, winning three Big East titles and narrowly missing the opportunity to play for a BCS National Championship in the 2001 Orange Bowl.
After leaving Miami for the NFL, Davis was hired as the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, and was able to bring the program to national relevance after struggling for most of the decade before his arrival.
The feeling is that Davis has unfinished business in Coral Gables. He is beloved by the fan base and former players, already has the ties to the South Florida recruiting base, and has stated that he wants to come back.
One concern is his absence from college football. He last coached in 2010 after being fired under the threat of an NCAA investigation into academic misconduct at North Carolina, but his familiarity with Miami will allow for an easy transition.
Mark Richt
The former Hurricanes quarterback and current University of Georgia head coach deserves some mention here.
Richt has been in Athens for 14 years, and habitually finds himself on the hotseat at some point in the season. Richt has had a lot of success at Georgia, but can never seem to make that next step to winning the SEC and playing for a National Championship. It may be time for a change of scenery.
Richt’s offensive style will fit perfectly with the U’s long standing tradition of running a pro-style offense; and we’ve seen over the years what he can do with running backs. Joe Yearby and Mark Walton would set the ACC on fire in Richt’s offense.
Offensive Coordinator
Mario Cristobal
The former Florida International University head coach and current Alabama offensive line coach is another former Cane to make the list of Miami’s next coaching staff dream team.
The former offensive tackle on two Miami National Championship teams (1989 and 1991), Cristobal has been mentioned as a possible head coaching candidate, but has only held one head coaching position in his career. Miami needs to hire a coach with more experience, but Cristobal could be a “coach in waiting” if the athletic department chooses to go in another direction with their next hire. Miami cannot afford to continue to build the program while its competition in the ACC continues to improve year after year.
With Miami’s struggles on the offensive line this season, Cristobal’s presence will lead to a drastic improvement the moment he steps on the practice field. At Alabama, Cristobal has continued the tradition of Alabama producing some of the best offensive lineman in the nation, seeing four of his players taken in the NFL Draft during his three year tenure in Tuscaloosa.
Defensive Coordinator
Will Muschamp
With the talent the Hurricanes possess on defense, it is imperative a capable coordinator is hired on Miami’s next coaching staff.
Even though his time at Florida will be forever remembered for the Gators ineptitude on offense, Muschamp was able to keep his defense playing at a consistently high level. With the talent the Hurricanes already possess on defense, it would be nothing for Muschamp to come in and implement his system to full efficiency.
His first year in Auburn hasn’t been one of his best, but it says more about the disappointment that is the Tigers’ offense this season.
While at Florida, Muschamp recruited and coached defensive studs. Defensive lineman Dante Fowler, Jr was selected third overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in this year’s NFL draft; cornberback Veron Hargreaves III, defensive end Jonathan Bullard, and linebacker Antonio Morrison are ranked in the top 10 at their respective positions for the upcoming draft.
His years spent in Gainesville may be years he would want to forget, but his time in Florida will lead to an advantage in recruiting, and the right defensive assistant could help…
Ed Reed
Remember, this is a ‘dream team’ listing of Miami’s next coaching staff, but just imagine – you’re an 17-18 year old high school safety and Ed Reed walks into your living room asking you to play for him at Miami.
Miami has a long tradition of producing great defensive backs; Antrelle Rolle, Sean Taylor, Ed Reed just to name a few. Artie Burns and Rashawn Scott are currently following that same mold and would benefit greatly from the experience of being coached by the Miami great.
Granted, football isn’t like the NBA where a player can instantly transition from the court to the sidelines; but bringing Reed, or any former player, on as an assistant will go a long way in turning the program around.
Reed has stated he would entertain calls to become the next head coach of the Hurricanes. Whether this was just a former player displaying his loyalty or a legit job proposal, having a former great player on the sidelines will not only be a big boost in recruiting but will show that Miami is willing to finally reach out and heal the rift that has grown between the administration and its former players.
The nightmare that was the Al Golden era is now over. It is up to athletic director James Blake and the Miami administration to wake up and make a splash with their next hire.
This is only a dream scenario, but the reality is Miami fans have waited too long for their team to become relevant again. The administration must use all resources available to make sure the past five years don’t repeat themselves.
Who would make up your dream team of Miami’s next coaching staff? Tweet me @j_gordon843
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