University of Miami head football coach Mario Cristobal Wednesday announced the hiring of Lance Guidry as the Hurricanes defensive coordinator.
Guidry spent the past two seasons as the defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Marshall University, where his defenses proved to be among the nation’s elite units. Marshall’s defense ranked in the top five nationally in FBS in several key statistics, including third down defense (first), stop rate (second), pass efficiency defense (third), defensive efficiency (third), yards per play (third), turnovers gained (fifth) and rushing defense (fifth).
In a dominant 2022 campaign, the Thundering Herd also finished the season ranked sixth in scoring defense (16.0) and passes intercepted (18), eighth in total defense (294.5), ninth in first down defense (200), 12th in defensive touchdowns (3), 16th in team sacks (2.92), 19th in red zone defense (76.7) and 22nd tackles for loss (6.9) and fumbles recovered (11). Both redshirt juniors Owen Porter and Micah Abraham were selected to the All-Sun Belt First Team, while four other standouts earned all-conference honors under his watch.
In his first season in the position with the Thundering Herd in 2021, Guidry’s defensive squad led the conference and placed among the top 30 nationally in passing efficiency defense (12th – 117.56), sacks (18th – 3.08) and tackles for loss (30th – 6.6). Nine of the team’s defensive players were recognized by the C-USA in their end of the season awards.
Prior to arriving at Marshall, Guidry spent a year working as the safeties coach at FAU. In 2020, his unit contributed to the 16th-best pass defense in all of FBS. (188.2) The unit ranked No. 24 in total defense in the NCAA and also finished as the second-most difficult unit to score in the conference (17.4 points per game, the ninth-best mark in the FBS).
Guidry, who spent the 2019 season at Southeastern Louisiana, served six seasons for McNeese State, his alma mater, the last three as the head coach of the Cowboys. All told, Guidry spent 12 seasons at McNeese State during which the team compiled a 98-45 overall record, including a 60-24 mark in Southland Conference play. During his most recent stint in Louisiana, he mentored Southland Defensive Players of the Year BJ Blunt (2018) and Wallace Scott (2015)
Guidry was part of McNeese staffs that helped the Cowboys to four Southland Conference championships and six appearances in the FCS playoffs, including a trip to the 2002 FCS championship game.
Guidry’s consistently dominant defense were highlighted by his units in both the 2015 and 2017 seasons. The 2017 Cowboys led the nation and set a new Southland record with 54.5 rushing yards per game allowed – the seventh-lowest average allowed in FCS history. Guidry’s 2017 McNeese defense propelled the Cowboys to a 9-2 record, ranking in the top 10 nationally in third down conversion defense (1stt – 23.8), first downs allowed (2nd – 150), defensive touchdowns (3rd- 5), total defense (5th – 262.5 ypg.), red zone defense (6th – 63.0 percent), turnovers forced (6th – 26), interceptions (7th – 16) and tackles for loss per game (9th – 8.2). That season, the Cowboys held five teams without an offensive touchdown, including Southeastern Louisiana in a 13-3 McNeese victory in Lake Charles. That year’s Lions’ offense averaged 428.1 total yards, 283.1 rushing yards and 34.8 points per game. In 2015, McNeese won the Southland Conference title and finished with a perfect regular season record thanks in large part to rankings of No. 12 nationally in total defense, third in scoring defense and fourth in rushing defense.
Prior to his stint at McNeese, Guidry was the defensive coordinator for two seasons at WKU and served as the interim coach for the Hilltoppers in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl – the program’s first bowl appearance. At WKU, he coached three NFL draft picks in defensive end Quanterous Smith, linebacker Andrew Jackson and safety Jonathan Dowling. His 2012 defense led the Sun Belt Conference in total defense, sacks, pass defense efficiency and first downs allowed.
Before coaching at WKU, Guidry was defensive backs coach at Miami (Ohio) for two seasons. The 2010 RedHawks were 10-4 and won the GoDaddy.com Bowl over Middle Tennessee, 35-21, with Guidry serving as interim head coach.
Guidry also had local high school coaching stops at Leesville and Carencro High School. A 1995 McNeese graduate and two-time All-Conference strong safety, Guidry helped McNeese to a pair of conference titles and playoff appearances during his collegiate playing career (1990-93).
University of Miami head football coach Mario Cristobal Thursday announced the hiring of Shannon Dawson as the Hurricanes’ offensive coordinator. Dawson’s hire is pending completion of a standard University background check.
Dawson spent the past four seasons at the University of Houston, including the last three as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He joined the program as tight ends coach at Houston in January 2019 after three seasons as offensive coordinator at Southern Miss.
In Dawson’s three seasons as quarterbacks coach with the Cougars (2020-22), Houston quarterbacks combined to throw 87 touchdown passes (13th nationally) behind a 65.3 completion percentage (19th nationally) and 10,008 passing yards (21st nationally). Dawson tutored signal caller Clayton Tune to a record-setting career. In 2022, Tune set the American Athletic Conference single-season touchdown passes record (40). The first-team all-conference honoree ranked third nationally in passing touchdowns, third in total offense (355.2) and fifth in passing yards per game (313.4).
Dawson’s Cougars ranked eighth nationally in passing offense (314.0) this past season. Houston wide receiver Nathaniel Dell led the nation in receiving touchdowns (17) and receiving yards (1,398) while Matthew Golden set a Houston true freshman record with seven receiving touchdowns.
Houston ranked 15th nationally in scoring offense (35.6), 22nd in first downs offense (314), 23rd in passing offense (271.6) and 25th in red zone offense (.891).
In his final year at Southern Miss (2018), Dawson helped guide the Golden Eagles as the No. 3 team nationally in completion percentage, completing 69.2 percent of their passes. Sophomore quarterback Jack Abraham ranked third in the league and 22nd nationally with an average of 260.8 passing yards per game while leading the nation with a completion percentage of 73.1 percent and ranking fourth nationally with 24.8 completions per game. Sophomore receiver Quez Watkins earned first team All-Conference USA honors after finishing second in the league with nine touchdown receptions while true freshman center Trace Clopton earned FWAA Freshman All-America honors.
Despite missing his starting quarterback for three games and in limited action in two more contests in 2017, the Golden Eagles were still able to amass 424.6 total yards per game, just behind league champion Florida Atlantic and West Division champ North Texas. His efforts also helped former Golden Eagle Ito Smith become just the 10th running back in FBS history to rush for over 4,000 yards and collect at least 1,000 receiving yards.
In his first season with Golden Eagles, Dawson mentored Nick Mullens in his senior season, who ended his career first in passing yards and touchdowns thrown. Mullens signed a free-agent contract with the San Francisco 49ers heading into this season. Southern Miss also set a school record for total offensive yards in a game with 702 against Rice.
Dawson also helped build some of the nation’s most prolific offenses at West Virginia, where he spent four seasons, including his last three as offensive coordinator. In his last season in Morgantown, WVU ranked 12th in the nation in total offense, averaging 499.8 yards per game, and was ninth nationally in passing offense at 317 yards per contest. The Mountaineers averaged 33.5 points per game and set a school record by scoring at least 30 points in eight consecutive games. WVU also averaged more than 182 rushing yards per game.
A native of Clinton, La., Dawson played his college football at Wingate (N.C.) University as a quarterback and wide receiver. He began his coaching career as receivers coach at his alma mater in 2002.
Dawson linked up with former Kentucky head coach Hal Mumme in 2003-04 to help revive a program at Southeastern Louisiana that had been dormant for 17 years. He also coached with Mumme at New Mexico State in 2005.
Dawson went to Millsaps College as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2006-07. The Majors won the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference championship both years, the first back-to-back titles in school history, and quarterback Juan Joseph was two-time SCAC Offensive Player of the Year. Millsaps played in the NCAA Division III playoffs in 2006.
Dawson moved to Stephen F. Austin University as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2008-10. With the Lumberjacks averaging only 16 points a game during a winless 2007 season, Dawson helped orchestrate an amazing turnaround in SFA’s offensive fortunes. In his first season, the Lumberjacks ranked third in the nation in passing offense, 13th in total offense and 14th in scoring offense.
SFA won or shared the Southland Conference championship the next two seasons, advancing to the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs both years. In 2009-10, SFA led the nation in passing offense while ranking in the top six nationally in total offense and scoring. Quarterback Jeremy Moses was a two-time All-American, two-time Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year and won the Walter Payton Award as the FCS National Player of the Year. Wide receivers Dominique Edison and Contrevious Parks went on to play in the NFL.
First? Been a while
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 17, 2023 at 02:35 PM
Hi everyone. Can’t find the new blog!
Hope all Canespacers are well and safe and healthy.❤️
Posted by: MLALUMNI 1970 | February 17, 2023 at 03:36 PM
Ohio for the WIN!
Posted by: 86Cane | February 17, 2023 at 07:11 PM
Marylou you are on the correct (new) blog.
Posted by: 86Cane | February 17, 2023 at 07:11 PM
Well, the baseball team started where they left off last year, getting thumped by The Nitteny Kitties 9-5.
New blood could be a good thing, what has Mario got to lose.
Hopefully he'll let Dawson open it up and Maybe, just maybe we can start to get some star power at WR.
Posted by: Herbieibis | February 17, 2023 at 11:16 PM
90-81 2:20 left in the second
Canes over the Semen Deacons
Posted by: Old Skool | February 18, 2023 at 03:50 PM
Canes win. Down Deacons. 96-87
Posted by: Old Skool | February 18, 2023 at 03:57 PM
Great win, wish I could’ve watched it. Get the ACC Network they said and don’t miss a game. Then they come along with the ACCX Network and YouTube TV doesn’t offer it! So frustrating!
Anyway a great win got the program and for the folks who gamble on UM!
Go ‘canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | February 18, 2023 at 04:00 PM
Able to ride the South Beach Friday nightlife flu to the victory at the finish again thanks to a hot shooting night as a team, deeper depth to call on, getting to the free throw line by minimizing fouls and taking better care of the ball than the visitors, who are really good.
No help in the standings today but a quality team victory, now on, to Va.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | February 18, 2023 at 04:02 PM
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | February 18, 2023 at 04:02 PM
#10 Tennessee lost and there’s a few more games to play. Miami may move up 1 or 2 spots with a little help coupled with a decisive win!
Go ‘canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | February 18, 2023 at 05:00 PM
Actually you’re probably right about not moving up. Gonzaga isn’t gonna lose to Pepperdine and there isn’t anything on tap tomorrow that would affect our ranking. They would have to evaluate UM on the quality of their wins this week and vault us over a winning team which isn’t likely.
But what a time to start to gel! Bring on VT!
Go ‘canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | February 18, 2023 at 05:08 PM
Found the game and watched the whole thing. Great game, playing at home. I think the next game is on Tuesday. We sure had a great win today. Don’t know if the game on Tuesday will be televised. Hope so. I am in Florida right now, until it warms up in Michigan, probably in May or June. Funny, but I love my Canes more today, than when I was in school, many years ago. 1966 - 1970
Posted by: MLALUMNI 1970 | February 18, 2023 at 09:04 PM
Pitt goes down to VT @ VT.
Blacksburg is a tough place to play and win a basketball game.
Posted by: Dan Preston | February 18, 2023 at 11:11 PM
Baseball got some retribution, with a 10-2 win, hitting 4 bombs in the process.
Posted by: Herbieibis | February 19, 2023 at 01:23 PM
Canes, on a walk off by Kafus with 2 outs in the 9th win 3-2.
Posted by: Herbieibis | February 19, 2023 at 05:06 PM
I was in college when Gonzaga started their media propelled rise to prominence, decades later they still haven't won anything despite all the publicity handed to them by that same media that still promotes a program that hasn't actually won to that level of coverage, but top contender in the ACC Miami can't pass them in the polls today despite the tougher league they've played in by comparison continually since the narrative first was launched all that time ago back when home games were in the Miami Arena. What a joke.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | February 20, 2023 at 12:59 PM
Miami moves up to Lucky 13! Bring on the lunch pail kids!
Go ‘canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | February 20, 2023 at 08:59 PM
Moving back to football, next season is going to be interesting. I've tended to oversell the Canes based upon comparative roster strength versus other opponents. However last year was the worst year I have seen of Miami football since I began watching in 1986; this was more inept offensively than anything I have seen outside of Oklahoma's performance against Texas this season.
That said, my first instinct is to undersell them. Indeed, my projection for Miami based upon current roster levels is an 8-4 result:
(W) 28-14 Miami (OH)
(L) 17-34 Texas A&M
(W) 35-10 Bethune Cookman
(W) 24-7 Temple
(W) 28-21 Georgia Tech
(L) 13-42 North Carolina
(L) 17-45 Clemson
(W) 21-17 Virginia
(L) 10-63 Florida State
(W) 48-45 Louisville
(W) 27-17 Boston College
There's some generosity here, presuming that Tyler stays healthy the entire season. But it's also predicated on last year's performance. Again, this was the worst that I have ever seen.
I think that I may be selling them short. Dawson may be able to take what was a horrendously underperforming unit and make something unforeseen.
TVD was projected to be a first round draft choice going in 2022, based on his year one performance. What happens if Dawson can get him back to that 2021 level?
Posted by: TonyCane | February 20, 2023 at 09:48 PM
That's probably our ceiling Tony Cane I predict 7-5. But I can see 8-4.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 20, 2023 at 10:18 PM
What about 9 and 3? Can’t we beat Florida State??❤️
Posted by: MLALUMNI 1970 | February 21, 2023 at 01:25 PM
Basketball game tonight! Up in cold Blacksburg.
Posted by: MLALUMNI 1970 | February 21, 2023 at 02:07 PM
TC well put.....we can...but probably wont beat 8 very average...very average teams....no highlight win in any of those cupcakes....and lose to 4 good teams....and a cupcake.....so what does that make us? Not a breakfast pastry...or a Danish....either a cupcake..probably...or a doughnut....with a lot more than one hole!!!!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | February 21, 2023 at 04:59 PM
Not a good start for the Canes basketball team. But it’s early. They look flat and out gunned. But, the Canes are fearless.
Posted by: MLALUMNI 1970 | February 21, 2023 at 07:18 PM
Well for one, we ain't coughing up 34 to A&M and I can't see us losing to them.
Two, FSU won't be seeing 63 and Da Ville won't get 40 something points.
As far as how many wins or losses we come up with, it depends on a couple things that need to be turned around, like yesterday:
1. Penalties.
2. T.O's
3. Chunk plays Given or we gain.
Last losing games that we shouldn't been losing.
Change these things and we may start to see progress.
Posted by: Herbieibis | February 21, 2023 at 07:32 PM
Ahead at the half, by 4 pts . Second half should be a barn burner.
GO CANES!❤️
Posted by: MLALUMNI 1970 | February 21, 2023 at 07:45 PM
Reading where Tim Harris Jr. might be our next RB coach. Could be a Mario smoke screen.
Posted by: H | February 21, 2023 at 08:24 PM
Well just saw where Donno said Harris will be our next RB coach.
Where's the WR coach?
Posted by: Herbieibis | February 21, 2023 at 08:29 PM
Didn't do a fantastic job sharing the ball for baskets overall, but, played well otherwise enough, especially on the boards, to land that one in the win column going away. Omier particularly looked like he knew they didn't have anyone on the other bench that could handle him even if they were taller and had his way with the home team tonight, very impressive.
On to Coral Gables, to attempt to end the season undefeated there.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | February 21, 2023 at 09:16 PM
WE WON! FLORIDA STATE IS NEXT, AND THEN ON TO THE PLAYOFFS!
GO CANES!
Posted by: MLALUMNI 1970 | February 21, 2023 at 09:34 PM
Cool idea. I knock it off for the Canes before another college does. Or if the U wants to be original but technically complex, how about a series a drones released into the sky to form a glowing U after every win
A brilliant purple laser shoots into the sky. On cloudless nights, it arcs into space like a sci-fi tractor beam.
City residents gape at it from their windows, crane their necks to catch a glimpse while driving or film it on their phones. The beam, shot from the roof of the downtown Golden 1 Center, is cause for celebration: It means the Sacramento Kings won.
Posted by: Old Skool | February 22, 2023 at 09:18 AM
I’m not a gambler but I have a buddy who partakes and he tells me betting on Miami basketball the last few weeks has been “easy money”. He can’t believe he’s getting points to bet on the Hurricanes against our unranked opponents.
If UM beats FSU on Saturday they may crack the Top 10 headed into the ACC Tournament. And did you all listen to the analysis last night about UM vs Virginia? They thought our guards have a deeper bench and they think UM is in a better position for the rigors of tournament play. A conference title is in sight at a time when UM is playing as a complete team. It should be fun to watch!
Go ‘canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | February 22, 2023 at 10:26 AM
I just read a bracket breakdown on a UNC site and if everything remains static UM will likely play Wake Forest in the third round of the ACC Tournament. Sounds good to me!
Go ‘canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | February 22, 2023 at 11:35 AM
https://tarheelswire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-acc-tournament-seeding-schedule-info-feb-20/
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | February 22, 2023 at 11:47 AM
SMD says Hankerson interviewed as possible WR coach
Posted by: Old Skool | February 22, 2023 at 02:08 PM
The help in the standings Miami needed arrives, delivered via BC. The Hurricanes are now in first place by half a game in the conference championship standings, once more regaining control of their own destiny to hang a banner in the rafters if they go undefeated at home this season.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | February 22, 2023 at 08:49 PM
Can’t wait for Saturday, when we beat Florida State! Go Canes❤️
Anyone going to the game?? Should be spectacular! GO CANES.❤️
Posted by: MLALUMNI 1970 | February 23, 2023 at 04:59 PM
Canes basketball!! Let's Go!
Posted by: CGNC | February 24, 2023 at 02:39 PM
Hi CGNC HOW ARE YOU? I am down in Florida right now, for the winter. Better than cold Michigan. Waiting for the basketball game to start at 4 pm. Hope you are well.❤️ I still remember meeting you and the gang, when I flew down to go to a game with Tom.
Posted by: MLALUMNI 1970 | February 25, 2023 at 11:58 AM
https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/bracketology-bubble-watch-teams-near-the-cutline-dont-have-to-worry-as-much-about-bid-stealers-this-year/
The ACC has its first lock of the season for the tournament.
It's been nice having the crowd from last year that wouldn't shut up about how Larranaga needed to go vanish like the idiot wind they were then and finally ceased being this season.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | February 25, 2023 at 01:01 PM
Could this first half blowout in the making get any uglier? Big time self-destruct. A few minutes are left to get it together.
Posted by: JCane | February 25, 2023 at 05:46 PM
Leonard Hamilton, hell of a basketball coach. Didn't take good enough care of the ball to overcome missing Pack's shooting today.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | February 25, 2023 at 06:04 PM
OGV, not much in the way of perimeter defense either in the second half. Made it easy for FSPoo
Posted by: CGNC | February 25, 2023 at 06:09 PM
Unbelievable meltdown at home.
Grrrrr ‘canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | February 25, 2023 at 06:11 PM
Mary lou - doing good! hot down here LOL. I don't want cold Michigan weather but don't like running AC in February LOL. Disappointing game from the Canes this afternoon. Oh well, on to Pitt.
Posted by: CGNC | February 25, 2023 at 06:11 PM
What A Epic Collapse by our Miami Hurricanes today Ugh! Suck It Up and get ready for Pitt next week in Regular Season Finale!
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 25, 2023 at 07:46 PM
Well UVA lost so it takes a little bit of the sting out. Miami still has every goal in front of them and they don’t need any help to get there.
Onward…
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | February 25, 2023 at 08:39 PM
Correct Sarasota
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 25, 2023 at 08:58 PM
DE coach Rod Wright gone to the pros. Could be Jason Taylor time
Posted by: Herbieibis | February 25, 2023 at 09:20 PM
The last time the Hurricanes played in a meltdown like that the Gators were the opponent and Brock Berlin was under center. It was THAT bad! And the fact it was FSU makes it even worse!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | February 25, 2023 at 10:30 PM
Posted by: CGNC | February 25, 2023 at 06:09 PM
Well, both teams scored 52 points in the half they won, and UM out shot the visitors from the field 53.1% to 52.4% for the game and won the rebounding battle narrowly despite the size differential between the rosters, so that tells me it's losing the turnover battle by 1, shooting three less free throw attempts despite the refs equaling the whistles out in the 2nd half to cover their ass while refusing to protect Miami's jump shooters they way they did FSU's, especially on the Joseph 3 point attempt foul that led to the free throw shot discrepancy directly, that was the real difference. If someone wants to insist Pack, with a likely sprained ankle I'm guessing, being kept out doesn't swing the final result UM's way, well, you're welcome to it, but pretty sure that having your starting point guard out there soaking up 35+ minutes of that game lands this one safely on the deck in the win column instead of the walk off buzzer beater loss for the Hurricanes, still.
Result should lock up ACC coach of the year for Jeff Capel though, picked to finish around the bottom of the barrel and two road game wins away from a title this late in the year certainly would deserve it. Larranaga's job by comparison was very good, one of his better at UM for a season, but they were picked to finish fourth and will end up in the upper tier no farther back than a three way tie for third so Pitt's coach deserves it that much more, to me.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | February 26, 2023 at 07:04 AM