Report: Minnesota's Corey Hetherman emerges as 'leading figure' for Miami DC search

Miami is looking towards the Big Ten for their new defensive coordinator, as Minnesota’s Corey Hetherman has emerged as a leading figure in the Hurricanes’ search, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports.

“Minnesota’s Corey Hetherman has emerged as a leading figure in Miami’s search for a new defensive coordinator, sources tell @CBSSports/@247Sports,” Zenitz posted on X. “Under Hetherman, Minnesota ranked fifth nationally in total defense this season. He was previously the FCS assistant coach of the year as JMU’s DC in 2021.”

The search stems from the firing of previous defensive coordinator Lance Guidry by Miami. The Hurricanes were unimpressive on that side of the ball this past season and it became their undoing, as they ranked No. 69 in total defense in 2024, allowing 327.2 yards per game.

Guidry was only at Miami for two seasons, joining the Hurricanes after leading a Marshall defense in 2022 that finished the season ranked in the Top 10 nationally in 12 different defensive categories. Miami’s defense struggled late in the season, allowing 42 points in consecutive games to close out the year.

The Hurricanes allowed 22.8 points and 321.6 yards per game a year ago. Miami closed the 2024 season allowing 25.3 points, which ranked 70th in the nation. With a Heisman Trophy candidate in quarterback Cam Ward, the Hurricanes failed to make the 12-team College Football Playoff or the ACC title game. 

After holding their first four opponents to 10.3 points and 232.8 yards this season, Miami allowed an average of 32 points and 369.1 yards of offense the rest of the way. That came as Mario Cristobal’s program had the No. 1 offense in the nation with Ward, averaging 537.2 yards and 43.9 points.

On the other hand, Heatherman doesn’t have a wealth of experience as a defensive coordinator, but he did impress enough with Minnesota in 2024 to be in consideration at one of the top programs in the ACC. If he does land the gig, the direction of Miami would seem to be trending in the right direction.

With former Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck joining the fold as well in 2025, Miami seems primed for a run next year. Time will tell if it comes to fruition, but the future appears to be bright in Coral Gables moving forward under Mario Cristobal.