Ed Reed returns home
In January Diaz and athletic director, Blake James were unable to negotiate with former Miami fullback and Cleveland Browns vice president Alonzo Highsmith to hire him as the Hurricanes new Chief of Staff. A few weeks after things fell through with Highsmith, the Miami football program announced Ed Reed as Chief of Staff.
Reed was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame last summer after a long career primarily with the Baltimore Ravens. Reed won Super Bowl XLVII as a member of the Ravens. Following his career, Reed was an assistant coach with the Buffalo Bills in 2016. The expectations for Reed are extensive from the Miami fan base.
Ed Reed: "Make no mistake ... I played football, but I'm a coach. I'm excited about this gig."
— Christy Chirinos (@ChristyChirinos) February 5, 2020
Notes he won't be on the field coaching, but he's determined to mentor the Canes.
On working with Manny Diaz: "I'm going to be his right hand."
The responsibility for Reed will not include off-campus recruiting or coaching during practice as many fans anticipated. Reed will not be around every day. The expectations of the responsibilities Reed will be expected to perform will include helping Diaz set the culture and mentoring the Miami football players.
Reed returning to Miami provides Diaz and the Miami football program with more credibility. When a recruit is visiting on campus, meeting Reed might not be the difference between a recruit attending Miami or elsewhere but he has to have an impact as an alum and the player most consider the best in program history.