On any of the twelve regular season game days in a typical college football season Miami Hurricane fans from around the world gather to watch their teams' 85 scholarship football players and 10 coaches compete on the field of play.
But little does the average fan know about what goes on behind the scenes 365 days a year that greatly impact and influence the Miami Hurricanes football teams' success or failure between the sidleines on a few Fall Saturdays each year.
Here is some information about three very important employees on Al Golden's staff at Miami that you will probably never hear about but whose efforts are critical to the product you will see on the field of play on any given day.
Director of Football Operations: Tom Deahn
Deahn joins the University of Miami football staff as Director of Football Operations after spending five seasons in the same role at Temple. A native of Arcade, N.Y., he arrived in Owl Country after spending six seasons as the Director of Football Operations at the University of Maryland.
At Temple, Deahn served as liaison to university administration, athletic administration, football alumni and the Owl Club. He also handled NCAA and MAC compliance issues, home and away game operations, the walk-on program, the football budget and team clinics.
In 2009, Deahn was named the National Football Operations Director of the Year by FootballScoop.com, powered by Muscle Milk®.
Deahn spent seven years with the Terrapins overall, initially serving as assistant recruiting coordinator in 1999. He was instrumental in the team's turnaround under Ralph Friedgen that saw UM go from a losing record in 2000 to an ACC title in 2001. The Terrapins competed in three straight bowl games from 2001 to 2003, defeating Tennessee in the Peach Bowl and West Virginia in the Gator Bowl.
Assistant Director of Football Operations: Sean Desai
Al Golden hired Dr. Sean Desai to serve as assistant director of football operations at the University of Miami. Desai comes to Coral Gables after spending the last five years at Temple.
Last season Desai was elevated to special teams coordinator for the Owls after spending a year as the graduate assistant for the defense. During his tenure as the defensive GA, Desai groomed All-MAC safeties Dominique Harris and Jaiquawn Jarrett. Prior to that, he worked as a graduate extern for academics under Golden.
The 2009 was a special one for Temple as the defense helped win a program record nine consecutive games en route to a 9-4 overall record and first-place tie in the MAC East. The Owls earned a trip to the EagleBank Bowl for their efforts. In addition, a school record eight defensive players were named All-MAC, including five on the first team. Sophomore Adrian Robinson earned 2009 MAC Defensive Player of the Year accolades, and senior Andre Neblett became Temple's first three-time All-MAC honoree.
A native of Shelton, Conn., Desai attained his doctorate in educational administration at Temple University in May 2008. He received his undergraduate degree in philosophy and political science, with a minor in biology, from Boston University in 2004. A Cum Laude graduate of BU, he was recognized as a National Dean's List honoree. Desai earned a master's degree in higher and postsecondary education from Columbia in 2005 and was a member of the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society of Education.
Director of Player Development: Ryan McNamee
McNamee joined the University of Miami football staff as Director of Player Development after spending four seasons at Temple. McNamee joined the Temple staff in 2007 as the assistant director of football operations before being promoted to Director of Player Development where he spent the last three seasons.
A four-year varsity football letterwinner at Gettysburg College, he brings eight seasons of coaching and administrative experience to Miami.
McNamee assisted head coach Al Golden and director of football operations Tom Deahn in developing, organizing, and executing strategies to maintain the day-to-day operations of the program. He was also responsible for the coordination of the team's Owl Honor Roll, Team Accountability Program (TAP), and Owl Outreach programs, which flourished under his direction.
The football team also set new records by accumulating more than 1,000 hours of community service during the 2007-08 academic year. In 2009, Temple received the T.E.A.M. Award and the Robert P. Levy Community Service Award.
McNamee also serves as the Owls' pro liaison and walk-on tryout coordinator, while assisting with recruiting and special teams. McNamee also has three seasons under his belt as the camp director for the Al Golden Football Camps.
Behind the scenes, like in the UM weight room, a lot of little things happen that matter.
Here is a list of the entire University of Miami Coaching staff:
Wah?
Posted by: roachcane77 | January 28, 2011 at 10:01 PM
roach nice
Posted by: solarcane | January 28, 2011 at 10:03 PM
A nice introduction for the new members of the Cane family
Welcome!
Posted by: Sebastian | January 28, 2011 at 10:04 PM
Nice bit of research there... (I like the locker room sign too.)
Posted by: roachcane77 | January 28, 2011 at 10:05 PM
SaveUMFootball Papa Cane
Good News: There is a report out there that 5-star DT Jalen Grimble has cancelled his trip to UCLA. If true, Miami becomes #1.
Posted by: solarcane | January 28, 2011 at 10:16 PM
I saw a couple of posts about Marcus Roberson and a possible interest in him coming here
Now understand this is JMO here but I wasnt all that impressed with the way he played
Ive never seen Moore play so I cant go on anything there but as of right now Crawford is better then him and the limited action I saw Finnie I would give him the nod over Roberson
The `ship should be used elsewhere IMO
Posted by: Sebastian | January 28, 2011 at 10:20 PM
Up North:
From down south, congrats on the new addition. Parenthood like a giant roller-coaster, in the end, nothing better.
Posted by: AlpharettaCane | January 28, 2011 at 10:40 PM
What's up Cane Nation?
Posted by: Justin_WVUM | January 28, 2011 at 10:55 PM
And now CANESPACE welcomes WVUM's Justin Antweil to the Blog!
Post your questions for Justin...
Posted by: SOUP | January 28, 2011 at 10:55 PM
Thanks for having me back everyone, love my Hurricane family
Posted by: Justin_WVUM | January 28, 2011 at 10:56 PM
Justin: What UM baseball players are going to be HOT this year?
Posted by: SOUP | January 28, 2011 at 10:57 PM
U have talked to UM Baseball coach Jim Morris. What does he think about this year's team?
Posted by: SOUP | January 28, 2011 at 10:58 PM
I agree with Paul Johnson's method - once committed, a visit to another school and the offer is off the table.
Big boys' game, big boys' rules.
Realize they're 18 year olds, but this s--- has to stop somewhere.
You have to believe in your methods, your coaches, your product to be able to institute an edict like that - and I think Golden has all those and then some.
Posted by: AlpharettaCane | January 28, 2011 at 10:59 PM
Michael Broad will hit over .350. This guy can spray the ball to all fields. Smooth swing. He will start at 2nd base. The problem with Michael last year was he never found his niche on the diamond. Played outfield, infield and DH. Now he knows his role and will be more relaxed. Rony Rodriguez will open up some eyes. As for pitching, EJ Encinosa is beast mode.
Posted by: Justin_WVUM | January 28, 2011 at 10:59 PM
Justin - are you the young whipper snapper that tells it like it is?
What's the latest on Whipple? Any offers after the close call with UConn? And no, I don't give a hoot about where RS ends up..
Posted by: AlpharettaCane | January 28, 2011 at 11:00 PM
Morris likes his squad, he thinks they will open up some eyes. Remember in 1999 the team lost all the stars from 1998 and still won the title. The key for this team is pitching. It's the unknown, especially the starters. Whaley, Ewing, EJ, and freshman Bryan Radziewski are all solid but unproven. Hitting will be down this year in college baseball across the board because of the NCAA new bat regulations. This is an advantage for the Canes because they are built on speed.
Posted by: Justin_WVUM | January 28, 2011 at 11:02 PM
I have not heard anything on Whipple, hopefully we can get than bum Spencer off the sqaud.
Posted by: Justin_WVUM | January 28, 2011 at 11:04 PM
I saw your interview with former Hurricane MVP catcher Yonder Alonso who is now with the Cincinnati Reds. What did he have to say that surprised U?
Posted by: SOUP | January 28, 2011 at 11:04 PM
What current players do u thinly.will thrive this year on offense? Do u see jamal Reid playin corner this year?
Posted by: sota cane | January 28, 2011 at 11:05 PM
Yonder is one of my all-time favorites. Surprised me how close he still is with all his teammates from that great 2008 team. The best team to never win a world series ring. Him, Raben, Sverino, Jemile, Blake, Haggerty all went to the Bahamas over winter break to spend time with each other. He's a great teacher too, definitely could see him being a coach when is playing career is over
Posted by: Justin_WVUM | January 28, 2011 at 11:07 PM
Justin...Who will lead the Canes in batting average and/or RBIs this year? Do we really have a number 1, 2 and 3 pitcher this season?
Posted by: SOUP | January 28, 2011 at 11:08 PM
On offense I expect Jedd Fisch to utlize the running backs better. I say Lamar Miller will finally be a Cane running back to get 1000 yards. Would be first time since 2002. As for Jamal, he's got a clean slate with Coach D'Anorfio so hopefully it motivates him. I do expect him to play CB. Talking to coaches, adjusting from playing CB from High School to College is the toughest position adjustment. Look at Brandon Harris his freshman year. (Florida State game in particular)
Posted by: Justin_WVUM | January 28, 2011 at 11:09 PM
My guess for the rotation....Whaley Friday, Ewing Saturday, EJ Sunday and Bryan Radziewski weekday.
Harold Martinez will lead the team in RBI, Michael Broad will lead the tema in average.
Miami's bullpen is strong. You have Miranda closing, Rudman as the set up man. Robinson is the lefty specialist. Miller can get righties plus the freshman can chime in with an inning here and there
Posted by: Justin_WVUM | January 28, 2011 at 11:12 PM
JDawg...that's your new Nick here on The Space, what about UM basketball? Faith in Haith?
Posted by: SOUP | January 28, 2011 at 11:13 PM
I like the nickname. FIRE HAITH ASAP!!! What a disaster. Bad teams find ways to lose and that's what this team is. They have no won a road ACC game since my sophomore year and I'm a senior. Talent on this team isn't being maximized. Only at UM do you still feel nervous with a double digit lead. No mental toughness. No identity.
Posted by: Justin_WVUM | January 28, 2011 at 11:15 PM
JDawg...Do U agree that Reggie Johnson is being wasted by Haith? He has no idea how to use him!
Posted by: SOUP | January 28, 2011 at 11:17 PM
Agreed SOUP, Reg plays out on the perimeter too much and gets ticky tack fouls. Reg doesn't go up enough underneath the basket.
Posted by: Justin_WVUM | January 28, 2011 at 11:20 PM
Thanks justin! I read the weight training is a lot more intense...do U know who's standing out so far? Ideas on position changes?
Posted by: sota cane | January 28, 2011 at 11:20 PM
Scott is taking poor angles to the basket. He needs to realize this isn't Rucker Park and teams are making adjustments on him. He dribbles out of control. It's a bit of a sophomore slump you could say but he's shooting 88percent from the FT line. Needs to find a way to slow the game down and get to the stripe.
As for the weight room, all the players say they are sore and never worked harder. They simply went through the motions under Randy Shannon. Swasey as more pressure on him now too.
Posted by: Justin_WVUM | January 28, 2011 at 11:24 PM
Justin - referring to Whipple's son as a bum a little harsh, no? What is basis for the label, hopefully something other than 2 picks...
Posted by: AlpharettaCane | January 28, 2011 at 11:24 PM
Glenn Cook - Graduate Assistant (Defense)
Randy's bloodline continues
Posted by: SinisterCane | January 28, 2011 at 11:24 PM
So Haith is cooked. Who does UM bring in to replace him?
Posted by: SOUP | January 28, 2011 at 11:26 PM
I just don't think Spencer ever got respect from teammates because of the old "coaches son" philosphy. This kid couldn't start at UMASS so he shouldn't even be on the UM roster.
Cook's baseball career ended abruptly with the Cubs I guess lol. I got a kick out of your bloodline comment LOL
Posted by: Justin_WVUM | January 28, 2011 at 11:27 PM
Any idea on position changes?
Posted by: sota cane | January 28, 2011 at 11:28 PM
Any Canes fan out there(and within reason):
WHO DO U WANT AS YOUR UM BASKETBALL COACH?
Posted by: SOUP | January 28, 2011 at 11:28 PM
64,000 dollar question is who is the next basketball head coach. UM won't spend money and wants someone with high character like a Haith but just a better X's and O's guy. I haven't done enough research to know names yet but will formulate a list over the next couple of weeks.
Posted by: Justin_WVUM | January 28, 2011 at 11:29 PM
Manny Navvarro will be here around 11:45...
Posted by: SOUP | January 28, 2011 at 11:29 PM
I have not heard anything about position changes, a friend told me that Harland Gunn may move to Defensive Tackle to open up a spot for Brandon Linder. I have not been able to confirm that but it's logical and makes sense.
Posted by: Justin_WVUM | January 28, 2011 at 11:31 PM
JDAWG.. when U see schools U have never even heard of cracking the top 25 in Basketball how does that excuse UM from that group?
Haith could not coach his way outta a paper bag. We need a new coach ASAP! Would U agree?
Posted by: SOUP | January 28, 2011 at 11:32 PM
POST YOUR QUESTIONS NOW FOR JUSTIN!
Posted by: SOUP | January 28, 2011 at 11:34 PM
Definitely agree, Haith must go. This team couldn't even get a shot off against FSU and NC State. The freshman have not developed. Rion Brown's a 4 star????
Posted by: Justin_WVUM | January 28, 2011 at 11:35 PM
Justin...what about football recruiting this year? Who might be a BIG surprise come signing day?
Posted by: SOUP | January 28, 2011 at 11:40 PM
I think we will land Byron Moore, the USC transfer who went to Community College. He's deciding between Miami and Tennessee. He'll rep that UUUUUUUUUUUU
Posted by: Justin_WVUM | January 28, 2011 at 11:41 PM
Justin...J12 or S17?
Posted by: SOUP | January 28, 2011 at 11:41 PM
S17 for sure. Love his work ethic and velocity.
Posted by: Justin_WVUM | January 28, 2011 at 11:42 PM
Miracle Whip compared to Jumping Fisch?
Posted by: SOUP | January 28, 2011 at 11:44 PM
haha I like that question SOUP. Fisch utilizes running backs more in passing situations.
Posted by: Justin_WVUM | January 28, 2011 at 11:46 PM
Whipple was a GENIUS when he touched down.
He left as an IDIOT whe he took off.
Time will tell...
Posted by: SOUP | January 28, 2011 at 11:50 PM
Red 5 standing by
Posted by: Manny Navarro | January 28, 2011 at 11:51 PM
Justin or Manny you think we will end up w/ Jacoby Brissett?
Posted by: One | January 28, 2011 at 11:52 PM