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Miami Hurricanes Football: Imagine if Former Players Came Back to Coach ‘Canes!

By Shanon Culiner

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Well, Al Golden is gone and now comes the next phase, finishing out the season with Miami’s interim head coach, Larry Scott, while searching out a new head coach. But, this time it cannot just be any head coach. He has to be the perfect hire or the Miami Hurricanes may be in the same predicament 5 years from now.

Under Golden’s tenure, the Miami Hurricanes have always been loaded with talent. But, the talent just wasn’t being coached up. In fact, the ‘Canes were ranked #8 in recruiting for the 2012 class, #15 for the 2013 class, #10 for the 2014 class, and #23 for this last year’s 2015 class.

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How is it that programs who do not recruit nearly the same type of talent as Miami out perform us year after year? I have the obvious answer: Coaching.

Golden had the horses, but didn’t know how to run them past the finish-line.

Now, I know there’s numerous lists going on with potential coaches the University of Miami should hire (Click Here to see one I had written after the FSU loss). And, I think most of us know the top realistic candidates the ‘Canes will take a look at such as: Memphis’s Justin Fuente, Toledo’s Matt Campbell, Houston’s Tom Herman, Alabama’s Mario Cristobal, Greg Schiano, Rob Chudzinski, and the list goes on.

However, let’s take a look at the world of hypotheticals.  The worlds that usually never come true, but would nonetheless make for fun worlds.

What if some of the Miami Hurricane’s greatest football players decided to take on the roles of head coach and staff for the ‘Canes (deep sigh of relief)?

Miami’s football alumni are notorious for coming back to campus, lending their support, knowledge and skills. In fact, Hurricanes’ greats such as Michael Irvin, Ray Lewis, Clinton Portis, and Ed Reed have all given separate passionate and motivational speeches to the football team.

Aug 8, 2015; Canton, OH, USA; Michael Irvin during the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Furthermore, ex-Hurricanes players have been known to travel back to S. Florida to train at the university during the NFL off-season. They’re attached to the program and that enthusiasm is what would hopefully motivate a present Miami Hurricanes’ football roster.

I’m sure you’ve seen other similar articles and posts like this, but I’m taking a crack at it.

Here’s my picks for the Miami Hurricanes new coaching staff:

Head Coach, Ray Lewis will oversee all personnel and players for the Miami Hurricanes. A natural leader with his powerful speeches and determined glare, Head Coach Ray Lewis, a guaranteed first ballot Hall of Famer, a 2 x Super Bowl Champion, Super Bowl MVP and 13 x Pro Bowler will have the whole team standing behind him, ready to become victorious.

Nov 29, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; Baltimore Ravens former linebacker Ray Lewis watches his nephew Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (not pictured) from the sidelines at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Coordinator / Assistant Head Coach, Michael Irvin will take charge of the offense and all play calls for the Hurricanes. A Hall of Famer, 3 x Super Bowl Champion and 5 x Pro Bowler, Coach Irvin was notorious for his power and ability to snatch the ball out of the air no matter what coverage a secondary brought him. Be sure to see his enthusiasm rub off on his offense!

Defensive Coordinator / Defensive Line Coach, Warren Sapp was a notorious hard hitter, which was sometimes considered controversial. Though a jokester and troublemaker at times, Coach Sapp is serious about the game of football, especially the defense and has a very high football I.Q. Coach Sapp is a Hall of Famer, Super Bowl Champion, 7 x Pro Bowler, and former NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Offensive Line Coach, Bryant McKinnie will take leadership of protecting the quarterback and opening up holes for the running backs. Coach McKinnie played at the University of Miami from 1999 to 2001. He has won the prestigious Outland Trophy at Miami and was drafted in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings. Coach McKinnie played in the NFL for 12 seasons, a Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl Champion.

Running Backs Coach / National Recruiting Coordinator, Clinton Portis will oversee much of Miami’s recruiting efforts and coach up the backfield. A 2 x NFL Pro Bowler, he will uphold the “Running Back U” legacy to the present. A once track and field standout, Coach Portis knows what it takes to be leader and dominate the run-game. A very prideful individual, Coach Portis won a National Title with the Hurricanes in 2001 and he anticipates the same legacy to be upheld by the current team.

Wide Receivers Coach, Eddie Brown was one of the Miami Hurricanes’ legends, helping the Hurricanes win their first National Championship in 1983. However, Im very happy with current wide receivers coach, Kevin Beard and what he’s done at Miami. I actually wouldn’t mind him staying. But because we’re playing in hypotheticals, the new wide receiver coach will belong to Coach Brown. He was a seven-year NFL veteran, a former NFL Rookie of The Year and Pro Bowler. With both Coach Brown and Coach Irvin at the helms, be prepared for explosive big play ability from the receivers.

Quarterbacks Coach, Jim Kelly is a Hall of Famer, 5 x Pro Bowler, and 4 x AFC Champion. Jim Kelly was notorious for his fast-pace, no huddle offense for the Buffalo Bills. Under Coach Kelly, the quarterbacks will lead, remain disciplined and showcase the necessary skills to be great. And, what quarterback recruit wouldn’t want to play for the legend?

Sep 20, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills former quarterback Jim Kelly on the field before a game between the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Linebackers Coach, Jonathan Vilma oversees the Miami Hurricanes hard-hitting linebacker core. Coach Vilma was a Super Bowl Champion, 3 x Pro Bowler, and former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Coach Vilma will also work with Coach Portis on recruiting efforts. A freak of nature, “Coach V” as the players like to call him, was considered an aggressive all around linebacker and defensive leader. Be sure to see the Miami linebackers amp up their game all around!

Defensive Backs Coach, Ed Reed may be known as the greatest safety ever and to have one of the greatest Miami Hurricanes’ halftime speeches of all time. Another highly decorated player, Coach Reed is a future Hall of Famer, 9 x Pro Bowler, Super Bowl Champion, a College National Champion, and 8 x NFL All Pro. Described as an absolute ball hawk, Ed Reed is a NFL and college football legend. His intangibles cannot be taught, however be prepared for a secondary makeover.

Tight Ends Coach, Jeremy Shockey is a tough-minded coach who expects physicality from like-minded players. He stresses hard nose, blocking fundamentals with precision-like route running and catching ability from all his tight ends. Coach Shockey is a 2 x Super Bowl Champion, 4 x Pro Bowler, and NFL All Pro. Another National Championship winner with the ‘Canes, Coach Shockey wants to see his alma mater back to their glory days.

With such a hypothetical coaching staff in place, I would imagine the Miami Hurricanes’ recruiting would be turned up to new heights. So, move over Nick Saban and Urban Meyer and well, Al Golden because Head Coach Ray Lewis is brewing up a storm in Coral Gables. And, oh how the Miami Hurricanes will be back to their dominance!

Can I pinch you now?

Next: Ed Reed Would Be Interested in Miami Job

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