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Former Miami Hurricanes’ Head Coach Butch Davis: Why Canes Can Be Successful in 2015-16

By Shanon Culiner

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I’ve always had great admiration for Butch Davis. Arguably, he recruited the greatest college football team ever – the 2001 Miami Hurricanes and thus, rebuilt a Canes’ football program during a time of misfortune and sanctions. Unfortunately, he left to take the Head Coach position with the Cleveland Browns before seeing his college team reach the promise land.

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On Monday, August 31, 2015, when I heard Coach Davis fielding questions (alongside, Reporter & Radio Host, Jack Arute) on Sirius XM College Sports Nation’s, “The Playbook”, I had to immediately jump on the line and ask him about the upcoming 2015-16 Hurricanes’ football season.

After sitting on hold, baking in a car for a solid 30 minutes, listening to topics regarding the Arkansas Razorbacks, TCU Bullfrogs, and Les Miles, my time arrived and I was greeted by Arute and Coach Davis over the phone.

I started off my question by first mentioning that it would hit close to home for Coach Davis and immediately followed it up with my feelings regarding the Hurricanes – I think everybody has written off the Hurricanes for the 2015 season, losing 7 key players to the 2015 NFL Draft (including Gus Edwards to an injury), and I believe the Canes, along with their defense, are going under the radar. But ultimately, the “D” is well-balanced, having guys now playing with a little more experience on the defensive line.

“I actually believe that flying a little bit under the radar, with lower expectations, is probably a little bit of an advantage for them (Hurricanes) because they had so many high expectations a year ago – Duke Johnson and a lot of those kids that got drafted,” Coach Davis said. “I think that now all the focus is obviously on Clemson, it’s on Georgia Tech,  it’s on maybe, Virginia Tech, and it’s allowed them to maybe take a little bit more of a chip on their shoulder mentality, a little bit more of a hunger attitude.”

When hearing this from the former Miami Hurricanes’ Head Coach…it actually never really occurred to me – UM is indeed, flying under the radar and it feels really good. As a fan first and foremost, I’ve been filled with nothing, but letdown and disappointment in the past twelve years when it came to expectations for the Canes. However, no one expects much from “The U” this coming season and ultimately most believe Miami will be nothing more than average.

Coach Davis immediately follows up his point with detailing how having Kaaya under center can really make the difference.

I actually believe that flying a little bit under the radar, with lower expectations, is probably a little bit of an advantage for them – Coach Butch Davis

“I think everybody that has any knowledge about football… It all starts – do you have a quarterback, and that’s kind of where Miami has a little bit of an advantage. They (Hurricanes) really truly believe that Brad Kaaya is a terrific young man. What he did last year as a freshman was outstanding,” Coach Davis continued. “If he can step in the huddle and he can make those kids around him believe that he is the guy then I believe they will have success.”

Then, Coach Davis talks about something people rarely credit Al Golden for (as of lately)…his recruiting efforts. And, if anyone should know recruiting, it’s Butch.

“Well, Miami has had some very successful recruiting classes over the last 3 or 4 years, so although they may not be ‘named’ people right now, they’re going to have some people they can stick into the lineup and…they’ve got a very easy first two games so they’re going to have a chance to gain some confidence and get some guys some experience and they’re going to be a little bit better than probably a lot of people think they are.”

Finally, Arute and Coach Davis go into Al Golden and coaching staff, how to quiet the disgruntled Hurricanes’ fans & former players and how nothing will help the mood surrounding the program other than starting to win some games.

You can tell Coach Davis still has much affection towards his old team. I loved his positivity, followed with purposeful, thought-out logic. Though there’s a lot of scrutiny against Miami, I’m with Coach – the Miami Hurricanes have a lot to look forward to.

Head Coach Butch Davis coached the Miami Hurricanes from 1995 till 2000. His record with the Canes was 55-20 and 33-9 in the Big East Conference.

If you want to check out the full discussion, click on the video below.

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