Yesterday at 1 PM University of Miami Athletic Director held a press conference about the current state of, and future plans for, the Miami Hurricane football program. Here is a complete transcript of that event from the official web site of the UM Athletic Department at www.hurricanesports.com:
Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt
Miami Football Press Conference
Edgerrin James Team Meeting Room
Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010
Opening Comments
Good afternoon. The University of Miami has the one of the nation's most successful winning traditions in all of college football, illustrated by our five national championships since 1983. This tradition has been built and established by those who came before us and they have established the expectations that we continue to embrace today. At the U, we expect to compete for championships and nothing less.
We have a group of talented young men in this program and our future is promising. To once again sit at the top of the college football world, Miami must be relevant in college football.
Make no mistake - we expect to be successful in everything that we do. We are proud of our success in the classroom, highlighted by our recent Top 10 ranking in the Graduation Success Rate scores. We are very proud of this group of young men and how they represent on campus and in the community and we expect to compete for championships. We will not compromise on winning. Because of these expectations, a decision was made last night to change the leadership of the football program. I made the decision last night after consulting with President [Donna] Shalala and the chair of the athletic advisory committee for the Board of Trustees. They supported my decision.
I do wish to thank Randy Shannon for his many contributions to this great program. Family is a word that is important around here and family is a word that means a lot. Randy Shannon is and always will be a part of this family and will always be a Miami Hurricane. However, we must move forward with new leadership at this time.
A national search will begin immediately. I have retained the services of Chuck Neinas and we will focus on bringing in an individual who can lead this program back to national relevance. As we enter the search process, I ask for your understanding in the process. I will not be in a position to comment on the search until its completion. And please understand one thing about our process and this search - we have a commitment to this program and we will be relevant and we will do what it takes to get there.
As we prepare for the month of December and the bowl game, I have asked [offensive line coach] Jeff Stoutland to accept the interim heading coaching title for this program and continue to see its day-to-day operations. Coach Stoutland has agreed to accept that role and I am also very appreciative of this group of assistant coaches, who this morning each and every one of them made a commitment to this program and its day-to-day operations as we lead and prepare for the month of December and our upcoming bowl invitation. Better days are ahead. Great days are ahead for this program.
I am happy to answer any questions you may have.
On loss to USF contributing to the decision...
Yesterday's outcome did not determine this decision. It was not made on 60 minutes. It was made with the total body of work in mind. I don't care to speculate, but it was not made on one football game.
On the timing of the decision...
The ultimate decision was made last night. We looked at the entire body of work. We looked at the last four years of our program, we looked at this season, and we looked at the future to determine the decision we made last night.
On why he made the decision...
It was a decision that I made last night looking a number of scenarios and facets around the team and the program that I made alone last night.
On Randy Shannon's reaction...
Randy is a good man. Disappointed. Disappointed. And that is all I care to share about our conversation.
On the state of recruiting...
I don't think any of us honestly know. I think that best thing we can do for recruiting is to move through this process as expeditiously as can. However, we cannot set a timeline. We are going to take as much time as we need. We have seven commitments right now. We anticipate that we will have 14-15 scholarships to offer and it's our hope that all seven commitments stay with us. They will know that the invitation for them to be a part of this program will be there and we hope that they will wear the U on their chest.
On reasons for making a change...
It wasn't one thing. It wasn't one thing. We've got to get better as a football team. We have to win games. As the season went along, we were not doing that. Simply stated, winning is important at the University of Miami. It always has been and always will be. We have to find a way to get on the winning side of that scoreboard more.
On whether money will be an issue regarding the coaching search...
It will not. We will do whatever it takes to get back to the top of the college football world. And we are going to find the best individual in this country to come in and lead this talented group of young men and lead this program back to where it belongs.
On whether Coach Shannon's contract extension in May was a mistake...
No, it was not a mistake. We are always going to make decisions at a given point in time that are in the best interest of the program at that time. And when we signed Randy to a three-year contract extension, that was the best decision for the program at that time as this is the best decision for the program at this time.
On why he was given a contract extension in May...
It was based on what was needed for this program to continue to move forward. We were at a critical recruiting time. We were coming off a nine-win season. We were very excited about the future of this program at that time. Randy Shannon had deserved the expression of confidence with that extension.
On the team's current recruiting process...
That is something that we are working through at the current time. Our current coaches will not be on the road recruiting. We have a weekend for recruiting setup from December 10-12 and we are currently deciding what is in the best interest of our program at that time... but our coaches will not be going on the road recruiting.
On what is important regarding the coaching search...
We need a leader. We need somebody that can come in and offer all the leadership elements for this program to be successful. We need someone that can come in and lead us back to relevance in college football and lead us back to the top.
On whether a timetable has been set for hiring a new coach...
No, I will not set a timetable. We will take as much time as we need to find the right individual.
On whether the new head coach should have prior head coaching experience...
It's something that we will consider. Ultimately, it's something that is important but not essential.
On this being a tough decision...
I have dealt with a number of issues in my career. I have had to discontinue four varsity sports programs at my previous school. We faced the death of a student-athlete at my previous school. I would say outside of the death of a young person, this has been one of the most challenging professional times. I say that because I care about Randy Shannon. He means a lot to this program and he means a lot to me. It was very, very challenging last night to visit with him.
On President Shalala's reaction...
There is no greater President in all of higher education than Donna Shalala. As an athletics director, as a head coach, you couldn't ask for somebody that is more committed and passionate about intercollegiate athletics. She believes in intercollegiate athletics' role within higher education. She believes in the lessons that it teaches to young people and she wants intercollegiate athletics to be front and center at this great university and great college. Randy Shannon means a lot to her as he does to all of us. But at the end of the day, we have a commitment to this program and doing what is in the best interest of this program today. And make no mistake; nobody expects to win more than Donna Shalala. She is a winner and she is a competitor. That has not changed.
On whether fan reaction played into the decision...
It was not a factor. We are very fortunate to have the support that we have from all of our constituents at the University of Miami. But this is about the program and doing what is best for the program. As the leader of this athletics program, I had to block out the noise, per se, happening around this building and ultimately make the best decision that will position us for success in the future. Ultimately, it was a challenging, difficult decision but I believe it is the right decision.
On balancing winning and off the field behavior...
We expect to be the best in everything that we do. We are one of the best programs in the country in the classroom, we are the best program in the country in the community and off the playing field and we expect to be the best program in the country competitively.
On what his conversation was like with the players Sunday morning...
Difficult. We've got a group of outstanding young men and it was very difficult. I couldn't be prouder to be associated with this group of 100 young men and what they represent and what's in their heart. It was very difficult, but we are very proud of these young men and everything they stand for and what they represent.
On whether any other coaches were dismissed...
No. None of the other coaches were fired. My expectations of our assistant coaches were that they will stay on in a day-to-day capacity and continue with operations of this program and coach this team in a bowl game. I shared that with them this morning and they all accepted that role. They wanted to be here for each other as a group of assistant coaches and they wanted to be here for this team. I believe we are fortunate that they will remain on board and lead us during this challenging time.
On the search process...
I gave Chuck [Neinas] a list of potential candidates late last night. He will help us throughout that process, managing the list that I provided.
On whether he sees a potential issue with Mark Whipple coaching under Jeff Stoutland...
Not at all. Coach Whipple expressed his support for Coach Stoutland this morning. There will be no issue as we go in the month of December with that.
On whether the players have underperformed...
I think the players gave everything that they could. There was not a lack of effort. The talent - we are close. We are very close. It's just all got to come together. Change is difficult and change is hard, but change sometimes is necessary. And this time, this change was necessary. This group of young men... they have given everything they had and will continue to do so.
On what went wrong from last year to this year...
I don't think there is one specific thing that you can point your finger to. Ultimately, we have to be better on the football field.
On whether there is certain number of games that the new coach will have to win next year...
We want to be relevant in the sport of college football and we expect to compete for championships. We have to make progress towards that. I can't set a timeline and say this is what we expect after two years or three years. I'll just say that the University of Miami must be relevant in the sport of college football.
On timing of dismissal with so few head coaching vacancies currently in football...
My thought was to do what's right at the University of Miami. This is a great job and this is a great program that has been set by so many men. I see Lamar [Thomas] here this morning and I appreciate him being here. And those that have come before us have set the bar high. Those around the country know that this is a great program and that you can win at the University of Miami. The time frame is what is best for this program.
On whether the decision was all about winning...
No. The other stuff is not secondary and we expect to win in everything that we do. We expect to win in the classroom, we expect to win in the community and we expect to win on the field. They are all equally important and all will continue to be emphasized for us as we move forward with this football program.
On whether Randy Shannon will have any connection to the University...
Not at this time. You never know in the future what the future may hold, but at this time he will not.
On whether the next coach will have a prior relationship with the University of Miami...
You know, that's not a prerequisite. If the right candidate emerges and they have been associated with this program, great. If not, great. We will find the best person to come in and lead this program.
On when the list of candidates was put together...
It was a list that I put together over the last couple of days. I would not be doing my job if I did not watch the landscape of college football, watch those coaches who have had and are having success. At the same time, it was a list that I provided to Chuck [Neinas] late last night and one I compiled over the past couple of days.
On donor reaction over the last 12 hours...
We all share the same common purpose and that is at the University of Miami we want to compete and win championships. From the donor constituents that you mentioned [and] to the former players that I have talked to. To everybody... we want to win and be successful on the field.
On whether there is a common thread or mold in the list of candidates...
Just finding the right fit. There is not a particular set of criteria that is essential or that we have outlined. It's the right fit and the right person at this time.
On whether all of the candidates are head coaches...
I don't want to say at this point in time.
On whether the crowd at the USF game on Saturday was a factor in the decision...
Sixty minutes of football - one event - did not influence this decision. It did not make this decision. Was I pleased with the crowd at the game yesterday? No. These young men deserve better than that and we are going to move forward. There are brighter days ahead and the U will be back where it belongs at the pinnacle of the college football world.
On whether Stoutland will be available today...
We are working with Coach Stoutland. I would expect tomorrow or Tuesday that Coach Stoutland will be available to visit.
On whether winning an ACC title would have made a difference in the decision...
No, it didn't take an ACC title. It took continuing to take steps to move this program towards national relevance. That in some ways could involve an ACC title, but it's not mandated by an ACC title. You can be relevant nationally and not win your conference. But at the end of the day, you must be relevant nationally here at the University of Miami.
On whether he is looking to bring in a coach that will feature an exciting brand of football...
A winning brand of football... winning is exciting. Our fans will show up to watch a winning team. We have to be relevant and we have to win.
On whether there was a minimum number of games the team needed to win this year for Shannon to remain head coach...
No.
RIP - Leslie Nielsen
Posted by: raizecane | November 29, 2010 at 09:42 AM
Comments are now back to the previous order (oldest first, newest last).
I kept the 100 comments per page feature which will make this MUCH better.
Posted by: SOUP | November 29, 2010 at 09:42 AM
RIP - Leslie Nielsen
Posted by: raizecane | November 29, 2010 at 09:42 AM
"Surely U must be kidding? I am not kidding and please, don't call me Shirley."
One of the greatest lines ever!
RIP Mr. Neilsen...
Posted by: SOUP | November 29, 2010 at 09:44 AM
I rooted for Shannon. I admit it. The greatest misconception most sports fans have of sports journalists is that we wish ill of the local teams or coaches. It isn't true.
We prefer to write about good stuff, about happy, about wins and champions.
I rooted for Shannon beyond that, though. Some of it was my knowing him since he was an undersized, overachieving linebacker for the Canes in the '80s, but most of it was simply hoping a native son, born and raised in Miami, would succeed in his beloved backyard.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/11/28/1947770/shannon-leaves-um-with-a-strong.html#ixzz16gKIUJTg
Posted by: SOUP | November 29, 2010 at 09:47 AM
Well, I always knew that Randy knew -- better than anybody -- what made 'Canes football tick. I guess what I forgot is that there are some people who Can Do, but Can't Teach. Those kids on the field, with a few exceptions, just never seemed to develop that Miami killer instinct.
So Shannon had to go.
Best of luck, Randy. You were a class act, doomed to be misunderstood because of the very same isolated and tough persona that got you through Miami's mean streets.
Posted by: dj moonbat | November 29, 2010 at 09:47 AM
Good post dj moonbat.
Posted by: DZ8 | November 29, 2010 at 09:50 AM
All the blame should not go on randy.. I love how money isnt an matter now that we need to find a new head coach. This univ needs to stop being cheap and put more money into the Fb program. Their is a saying in spanish that goes.. lo barato sale caro. basically what ever you buy cheap comes out expensive at the end. i hope they pay the head coach and the staff he needs to make this u run.
Posted by: Lou of M | November 29, 2010 at 09:55 AM
FROM THE VAULT:
Whenever you're inclined to doubt, just ask yourself: "Who knows more about what makes 'Canes football tick -- me, or Randy Shannon?" That should make you feel better.
Posted by: dj moonbat | June 14, 2007 at 15:44
Posted by: SOUP | November 29, 2010 at 09:55 AM
There is a saying in Spanish that goes..."lo barato sale caro." Basically what ever you buy cheap comes out expensive at the end. I hope they pay the head coach and the staff he needs to make this U run.
Posted by: Lou of M | November 29, 2010 at 09:55 AM
Growing up in Miami and being married to a Cuban woman I have heard this saying MANY times. More often than not it turns out to be true.
The second part of your comment is more telling though. It's not just the $3 million for the Head Coach, it's another $3 million for assistant coaches and another $4 million for a larger recruiting budget and better/newer facilities on campus.
As Six will tell U Miami needs a F/T recruiting coordinator at $250K/year like most other big time programs, not a P/T assistant trying to do both jobs.
It is a $10 million dollar total makeover project per year, not just $3 Million for the lead dog.
Bottom Line? U get what U pay for.
Bottom Line? U can pay me now, or U can pay me later.
But either way U are gonna pay me!
Posted by: SOUP | November 29, 2010 at 10:04 AM
K
Posted by: canes | November 29, 2010 at 10:08 AM
Glad the blog is running smoothly again LOL.
Posted by: CGNC | November 29, 2010 at 10:09 AM
As Six will tell U Miami needs a F/T recruiting coordinator at $250K/year like most other big time programs, not a P/T assistant trying to do both jobs.
Posted by: SOUP | November 29, 2010 at 10:04 AM
It's tough for me to find much fault with Miami's recruiting, though. Compare the kids on the field now vs. the ones Clappy brought in, fergawdsake.
The real problem is that by pushing recruiting onto your coaching staff, the COACHING suffers. If Randy and his staff had been able to push recruiting to the periphery, and focus on getting the existing 'Canes "coached up," maybe things would have been better.
But I'm starting to think not. Randy, unlike a lot of 'Canes of the past, didn't seem to have much bravado. He just wanted to be the best. It's tough to convince a bunch of 18 year old boys that they should become badasses -- but not to revel in it, but instead focus on becoming that much MORE of a badass.
That's what the Twitter thing was all about, I think: Randy trying to communicate to these dopes that the "Cane thing" is not about being a celebrity in a pimp suit; it's about being the BEST. He just went about it all wrong.
Why? Because he's trapped inside his own experience, like just about everybody else.
Posted by: dj moonbat | November 29, 2010 at 10:15 AM
Good morning! what is the "strong chatter" today?
Posted by: CGNC | November 29, 2010 at 08:56 AM
Word on the skreet is that a cold front is expected on Wednesday. Temperatures expected to drop overnight and into Thursday, wind shifting to the NW.
Posted by: SOUP | November 29, 2010 at 09:02 AM
LOL! Good to know. Tonight here it will be in the 20's
Posted by: CGNC | November 29, 2010 at 10:16 AM
New Manny...http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2010/11/making-sense-of-gruden-coaching-search.html
Go Canes
Posted by: IraqiCane | November 29, 2010 at 10:17 AM
To watch the press conference click here and look for the video link:
http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112810aaa.html
Posted by: SOUP | November 29, 2010 at 10:20 AM
for your reading enjoyment
http://www.everydayshouldbesaturday.com/2010/11/29/1841901/the-curious-index-11-29-2010
Posted by: CGNC | November 29, 2010 at 10:20 AM
more enjoyable reading
http://www.seventhfloorblog.com/2010/11/29/1841818/jon-gruden-or-someone-else-who-knows-madness-thread-monday#comments
Posted by: CGNC | November 29, 2010 at 10:26 AM
Here is who I believe based on what credible sources have told me and other reporters here at The Herald who have covered UM in the past: Montreal Alouette's coach Marc Trestman (former UM offensive coordinator); Georgia's Mark Richt; former USF coach Jim Leavitt; Texas Tech's Tommy Tuberville (he was the hot name last year for UM); Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen; and UConn's Randy Edsall.
Yes, Richt said Sunday he has no interest in leaving Georgia. But he just had a 6-6 season. He played at UM and may be able to be sold on the come home and be a hero scenario. And if UM is really going to pony up big cash -- we heard upwards of $3 million per for a coach it really wants -- then why wouldn't he at least listen?
To me, the most intriguing potential candidates are Mullen and Edsall.
Mullen is making $1.2 million at Mississippi State through 2013. He's 38 years old, hungry and has quickly turned Mississippi State into a respectable program in a tough SEC West.
Edsall, 52, has been at UConn since 1999 and has made a basketball school excited about its football program. He's only 69-69, but the Huskies have been really competitive without much of a recruiting base. They shared the Big East title in 2007. Edsall makes $1.3 million a year.
Read more: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2010/11/making-sense-of-gruden-coaching-search.html?cid=6a00d83451b26169e20147e03d0b08970b#comment-6a00d83451b26169e20147e03d0b08970b#ixzz16gZBLf00
Posted by: SOUP | November 29, 2010 at 10:27 AM
What do y'all think of Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen?
Posted by: IraqiCane | November 29, 2010 at 10:30 AM
I seriously doubt they are going after Trestman, Leavitt. After Hocutt's comments, they just don't fit. UM wants a homerun hire, they aren't it.
Mullen would be a good choice if the Gruden talks fall through
Posted by: SuperCooper | November 29, 2010 at 10:31 AM
one
Posted by: canes | November 29, 2010 at 10:35 AM
no to tommy t too...
Posted by: Lou of M | November 29, 2010 at 10:36 AM
What do y'all think of Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen?
Posted by: IraqiCane | November 29, 2010 at 10:30 AM
Good coach. Home run? Not so much...
Posted by: SOUP | November 29, 2010 at 10:36 AM
I could see Trestman. He has a quality resume, including some real success at UM. But he's mostly a technocrat. The U is going to want to find somebody fiery.
Leavitt? No way.
Richt? Not unless he's fearful that the boosters are going to do to HIM what just happened to Shannon. Why would the U want to hire a coach who's running scared? Doesn't add up.
Venables would be the most likely guy on the list to take the job. Stories have suggested that he and Hocutt have some kind of connection at KSU, and Venables obviously is an up-and-comer. And "Associate Head Coach" is a title worse than kissing your sister.
Obviously, I'm not discussing Gruden, because that would be crazy. And I'm not talking "GRUDEN's crazy for taking the job," either.
Posted by: dj moonbat | November 29, 2010 at 10:38 AM
Randy Edsall Overall Coaching Record: 73-69 (12th year)
Bowl Record: 3-1
Edsall has seen the Connecticut Huskies make the transition from the Atlantic 10 Conference to FBS Independent before finally settling in the Big East.
He holds the title of UConn’s all-time winningest football coach.
Edsall's been successful at lower levels of competition when compared to his BCS-mates. The question lies in whether or not he could duplicate his efforts in a more powerful conference.
One of his more notable wins is a 20-7 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2009 PapaJohns.com Bowl.
While he is early on this list, that’s not to say that big things aren't in Edsall's future.
He’s shown he knows how to win.
Perhaps we’ll find out if he can swim with the sharks in the Big Ten.
Posted by: IraqiCane | November 29, 2010 at 10:40 AM
The only home runs are Gruden, Patterson (TCU), Harbaugh (Standford) and Petersen (Boise).
Boise State's Chris Petersen is a finalist for the 2010 Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award, voted on by members of the Football Writers Association of America. This is the fourth time (in five seasons) that Petersen has been a finalist for the award. He has not won it.
The other finalists (in alphabetical order): Wisconsin's Bret Bielema, Auburn's Gene Chizik, Michigan State's Mark Dantonio, Oklahoma State's Mike Gundy, Stanford's Jim Harbaugh, Oregon's Chip Kelly and TCU's Gary Patterson.
Read more: http://voices.idahostatesman.com/2010/11/23/bmurphy/boise_states_chris_petersen_among_eight_finalists_eddie_robinson#ixzz16gcWTI00
Posted by: SOUP | November 29, 2010 at 10:41 AM
Gary Patterson
Overall Coaching Record: 96-28 (10th year; Interim HC in 2000 for Mobile Alabama Bowl)
Bowl Record: 5-3
Four words describe Patterson best: Coach of the Year.
He’s been awarded that honor on 12 separate occasions.
It’s hard to argue with the numbers. Seven of Patterson’s 10 teams have won at least 11 games. His current two-year record stands at 23-1, with the only loss being to then-No. 6 Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl.
TCU returns to the BCS picture this year, but they will not be accompanied by Boise State.
While Patterson’s Horned Frogs carry the “BCS Buster” title much like the Broncos, many fans praise his team for what is perceived as a very humble quality.
The Kansas native has accomplished much during his tenure at TCU.
The Horned Frogs may even be considered strongly for a position in a more powerful conference during any future realignment, thanks to Patterson
Posted by: IraqiCane | November 29, 2010 at 10:42 AM
Hyundai Sun Bowl: Miami vs. Temple
Miami just fired its coach and offensive coordinator last night after an embarrassing loss to South Florida and now the Hurricanes will have to play a bowl game.
Things haven't been right for Miami in years and while Shannon had done wonders for the program off of the field and in the classroom, he wasn't the answer on the field, despite having brought a lot of talent back into the program.
Temple is no slouch and a beaten down Hurricanes team will struggle against the Owls.
Prediction: Temple 20, Miami 17
Very Ouch Baby!!!
Posted by: IraqiCane | November 29, 2010 at 10:44 AM
question-- if chucky is a real option (one that i must admit that i'm not sold on) could he be interested on college football given the pending/potential work stoppage in the nfl? maybe come here until things settle down in the league and then transition back in?
if so-- i'm not interested. we need someone who's going to be here a while.
and by the way-- i said a few blobs ago-- get rid of aubrey hill. damn-- hocutt got rid of all of them!!!
Posted by: usagainsttheworld&theofficials | November 29, 2010 at 10:47 AM
The only way Petersen's coming is if he's tired of coaching at a school that will always have to argue its way into a national title game -- as opposed to Miami, which only has to do it periodically (see, e.g., 2000), then loses the argument to a team that it beat.
Posted by: dj moonbat | November 29, 2010 at 10:47 AM
That was then...
Nov. 24, 2006
Coral Gables, Fla (www.hurricanesports.com) -- - University of Miami head football coach Larry Coker was released from his contract today.
"The University has made a decision to change head coaches for our football program," said athletic director Paul Dee. "We all recognize Larry's contributions to this program and all he has accomplished in his six years and in prior years as the offensive coordinator. On behalf of the university I want to thank him for what he's done for us."
Coker spoke at a press conference, saying, "I want to encourage our alumni, fans, our NFL alumni, to be stronger than ever for supporting this program, supporting the new coach, the new staff. The University of Miami has a great reputation. It's going to be a good job. This football program will not be down long."
Dee announced that the university will engage Chuck Neinas, the former commissioner of the Big Eight Conference and former executive director of the College Football Association, to assist in the coaching search.
In a statement to the community, President Donna E. Shalala said, "We need a new start. We will recruit a great coach. We are looking for an experienced and successful coach of the highest integrity who understands and loves the Miami tradition of success and football family. He must be a great recruiter, of high character, committed to winning championships, academic success, and to the University community. We want someone who wants to be at the University of Miami, who is well organized, inspirational, and can attract a first-rate staff."
Coker, 58, led the Hurricanes to one national championship, two Bowl Championship Series title game appearances, three BCS bowl game appearances, five bowl games and three consecutive Big East Conference championships. His 2006 team finished 6-6 and is now bowl eligible following last night's 17-14 win over Boston College.
Posted by: SOUP | November 29, 2010 at 10:56 AM
That was then...only 14 days later after Coker was axed this:
Dec. 8, 2006
Coral Gables, Fla. (www. hurricanesports.com) - - The University of Miami held a press conference at 11:00 am today to name Randy Shannon as the new head football coach.
Randy Shannon Named Hurricanes Head Coach
Defensive Coordinator Had Five Top 10 Defenses in Six Seasons
CORAL GABLES, Fla. - Randy Shannon has been named the new head football coach at the University of Miami. Length and terms of his contract will not be released. Shannon, 40, has been the team's defensive coordinator for the last six seasons and is one of the finest defensive coaches in all of college football. He has coached top 10 defenses in five of those six seasons.
"Randy has the discipline and heart of a champion," said University of Miami president Donna E. Shalala. "He has been preparing himself for a head coaching position his whole life and I am very happy that the opportunity came at the University of Miami, his alma mater. We are extremely lucky to have him."
"In our national search, we spoke to a lot of people about coaches and to a number of coaches about their availability," said UM athletic director Paul Dee. "As the search progressed, it became very clear that Coach Shannon was the right person for this position. His history at the University of Miami as a student-athlete, a graduate, an assistant coach and as a coordinator has prepared him extremely well to lead a program that he fully understands. In our discussions with Coach Shannon, we have given him the resources to seek his offensive coordinator."
A native of Miami, a former Miami Hurricanes player and graduate of the university, Shannon becomes the 20th head coach in school history. He replaces Larry Coker, who was dismissed on November 24. Shannon played for the Hurricanes from 1985-88 and has been an assistant coach for 13 seasons. He has played on and coached on three of the school's five national championship teams. In 2001, he became the first UM coach to be named the winner of the Frank Broyles Award, presented annually to the nation's top assistant coach.
Posted by: SOUP | November 29, 2010 at 11:01 AM
That was then...the FIRST mistake:
Jan. 20, 2007
Coral Gables, Fla. (www. hurricanesports.com) - - Patrick Nix has been named the new offensive coordinator at the University of Miami. Considered a rising star in the coaching ranks, Nix inherits a unit that returns nine starters, including two highly touted quarterbacks, one of the nation's top young running backs, and an offensive line that returns four starters.
"We're happy that we have a great new offensive coordinator, an energetic person who brings a lot of ideas to this program and to this team," said Hurricanes head coach Randy Shannon. "He knows the ACC and he knows how to win as both a quarterback and as a coach. As a former defensive coordinator myself, you always judge a coach on what they present. Patrick Nix did a great job against us last year adjusting to what we did as a defense. And, as we adjusted on defense, he adjusted on offense again to keep us off-balance. Imagine what he'll do against other defenses."
Nix, 34, was a star quarterback at Auburn and still ranks as one of the top all-time passers in Auburn history. He came to Miami after five seasons at Georgia Tech, including the last three as offensive coordinator. He also coaches the quarterbacks, his former position as a player. In 1996, the Yellow Jackets won the ACC's Coastal Division and finished with a 9-5 record. Nix coached one of the most explosive offenses in the conference, and the team's 25 passing touchdowns led the ACC. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson was a consensus All-American after catching 76 passes for 1,202 yards and 12 touchdowns, and running back Tashard Choice led the conference in rushing and was selected All-ACC after gaining 1,473 yards and scoring 12 TDs. His quarterback, Reggie Ball, led the ACC with 20 touchdowns passes, and in the Gator Bowl with Ball sitting out, Nix guided backup Taylor Bennett, who passed for 326 yards and three touchdowns.
Posted by: SOUP | November 29, 2010 at 11:04 AM
Please go after Gary Patterson or Harbaugh. Both are at private schools and used to NCAA complaince issues and academics. Even Bobby Petrino..his offense would put up 40 a game with the talent on this team.
NO GRUDEN, PLEASE NO GRUDEN!
Posted by: dg | November 29, 2010 at 11:04 AM
barry alvarez.
Posted by: usagainsttheworld&theofficials | November 29, 2010 at 11:09 AM
Dee announced that the university will engage Chuck Neinas, the former commissioner of the Big Eight Conference and former executive director of the College Football Association, to assist in the coaching search.
Didn't Kirby just do the same thing. Hope Neinas just has a large rolodex and Kirby needs him to do the contact work.
And if we don't make a big splash with a sexy name I would be happy with Edsal.
Posted by: DZ8 | November 29, 2010 at 11:10 AM
another thought--
folks are smarting (me included) that we shouldn't be a stopping off point for coaches with their eye toward the nfl-- well-- it seems to me that we were winning the most championships when we had coaches with an eye toward the league. . . hmmmm. . .
if we had this kind of guy then we would have a match between coaches and players--
coaches with an eye toward the league
players with an eye toward the league
maybe it makes them hungry??? just musing.
Posted by: usagainsttheworld&theofficials | November 29, 2010 at 11:13 AM
agreed ^^^
Also on Edsal he does establish a running game and with our O line and rbs that could be perfect!
Posted by: DZ8 | November 29, 2010 at 11:18 AM
wordless....
Posted by: Lou of M | November 29, 2010 at 11:20 AM
Let's keep this in reality.
Harbaugh is not coming.
Gruden is not coming. (Manny should be suspended for starting that rumor.)
Barry Alvarez is not coming.
Knute Rockney is not coming.
Tom Landry is not coming.
The guy from UCONN seems viable.
Dan Mullen might come, but would jump as soon as UF wanted him.
That's my short list, the guy from UCONN.
Go 'canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | November 29, 2010 at 11:23 AM
TCU is going to announce today their acceptance of an offer to join the Big East.
Posted by: DallasTX Cane | November 29, 2010 at 11:26 AM
What great day! Randy Shannon has been fired and Jon Gruden is still a possibility. Even if we don't get Gruden, anything is better than Shannon. But Gruden would be really nice! Miami would definitly have my money again and then some if they pay Gruden what he wants. If they pony up, I will pony up, its only fair. You commit to winning and put a quality product on the field and I will commit my money.
Posted by: MattInNY | November 29, 2010 at 11:32 AM
Sarasota 'cane...why the buzz kill mood today?
What, you don't like dreaming about this team's bright future like the rest of us? lol.
I think the Gruden rumors have merit to them, he may decide to use this as a smoke screen for bargaining leverage, but unlike in 2007 when coaches from around the country expressly declined interest in coming to miami, he has not done that yet.
Anything can happen and this job is looking very sexy for a mastermind coach to come in and inspire this team to play to their potential.
Posted by: Chris | November 29, 2010 at 11:32 AM
Sota - what about Schembechler -LOL - not coming? LOL
Posted by: CGNC | November 29, 2010 at 11:33 AM
they need to hire a "sexy" name... start calling boosters, have a funraiser, car wash, sell the house or whatever it takes... we cannot be doing this 4 years from now unless we have another NC in the trophy case.
Posted by: Lou of M | November 29, 2010 at 11:35 AM
TCU to the Big East, and Louisiana Tech plays in the WAC
The words east and west have lost a lot of pull outside of geography books.
Posted by: solarcane | November 29, 2010 at 11:35 AM
Guys, what about bringing Schnellenberger back for some role relating to the team?
Posted by: Chris | November 29, 2010 at 11:36 AM
"I wouldn't say I'm solid [to Miami] right now," Louis-Jean said Sunday night. "[Shannon] was a huge factor. When I went down there he told me they would take care of me. Whoever they bring in is going to tell me whatever I want to hear. It's up in the air right now."
Posted by: solarcane | November 29, 2010 at 11:37 AM
The difference from the last search to this one is 3 main reasons as I see them:
1) Money. Miami has it and they are willing to spend it. That wasn't the case 4 years ago.
2) Talent. In 2006 Miami had nothing in terms of talent for the new head coach to work with and alot of people who interviewed saw that. A good coach can step right in and delvelop what we already have, add a few pieces and instantly go to the top of the ACC b/c the talent is there.
3) Kirby Hocutt. Shannon was brought in by Paul Dee when he was on his way out the door. One has to wonder how much effort he really spent looking for a head coach. As such, Hocutt had zero loyalty to Shannon as he was not Hocutt's guy. Hocutt is a new, young AD and he wants to make a splash. A Gruden hire would instantly make Kirby Hocutt one of the top ADs in the country. This would be his hire, his guy and bring instant credibility to Miami and to him. This search is just as important to Miami as a program as it is to Hocutt personally.
Posted by: MattInNY | November 29, 2010 at 11:42 AM
this is not a great day for the U.. A great day is playing for an NC. dont forget randy was a true cane and any true cane fan would not wish this on any cane..
Posted by: Lou of M | November 29, 2010 at 11:42 AM