Minnesota DC Corey Hetherman Emerges as Top Candidate for Miami (FL) Role

Corey Hetherman, the defensive coordinator for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, has emerged as a leading candidate to fill the same role at the University of Miami (FL), according to reports. Despite signing a contract extension with Minnesota in December, Hetherman is reportedly being pursued by Miami, which has deeper financial resources to offer.

Hetherman, who joined Minnesota ahead of the 2024 season, led the Golden Gophers’ defense to a top-20 national ranking. Under his guidance, Minnesota allowed just 290.9 total yards per game during the regular season, ranking 8th in the nation. The defense also ranked 15th in passing yards allowed (178.3 per game) and 23rd in rushing yards allowed (112.6 per game).

Miami parted ways with defensive coordinator Lance Guidry after two seasons, creating the vacancy. The Hurricanes finished the 2024 season with a 10-3 record, including a narrow 42-41 loss to Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Despite ranking second in the ACC in total defense (327.2 yards allowed per game), Miami struggled with consistency, giving up 25.3 points per game, which ranked 9th in the conference.

Hetherman’s success at Minnesota follows a strong track record at previous stops. Before joining the Golden Gophers, he spent two seasons as linebackers coach at Rutgers and three seasons as defensive coordinator at James Madison, where he led the No. 2 ranked defense in FCS in 2021. His efforts earned him the AFCA FCS Assistant Coach of the Year award.

Minnesota has faced challenges retaining coaching talent in recent years. Last offseason, longtime defensive coordinator Joe Rossi left for Michigan State, and offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca departed for Rutgers in 2023, both lured by significant pay raises. Losing Hetherman would be another blow to the Gophers’ coaching staff, especially after his impressive first season.

Miami’s financial advantage could prove decisive in the pursuit of Hetherman. The Hurricanes are known for their willingness to invest heavily in coaching talent, a luxury Minnesota cannot match. Hetherman’s potential departure would leave the Gophers scrambling late in the coaching carousel to find a suitable replacement.

As the coaching search unfolds, Minnesota fans are left hoping Hetherman will stay, while Miami looks to bolster its defense with one of the rising stars in college football coaching.