Miami football can disrupt CFP per CFB national analyst

When Diaz replaced Mark Richt as head coach in late December 2018 he stressed changing the culture of the program as critical for the future.

Changing the style on offense was another key point. That did not work out last season so Diaz went out and hired Lashlee to create an up-tempo, spread offense.

Lashlee brought in offensive line coach Garin Justice from UNLV who was the Rebels offensive coordinator.

Stabilizing the offensive line play, getting more consistency and leadership at QB led by King and getting through the first four games of the season will have a huge impact on determining how 2020 will evolve.

"“Last year, the Canes needed a better offensive line, better quarterback play and much better team chemistry. The first two issues seem to be addressed. Hurricanes players and coaches say they’ve fixed the last one, but we won’t really know until they start playing games. The Hurricanes open against UAB next week. Then they face an opening ACC gantlet of at Louisville, Florida State and at Clemson. But they avoid Notre Dame entirely. If they can win one or two in that opening ACC trio, the Canes will be capable of winning the rest of their games. And they might wind up seeing Clemson a second time in the ACC title game.”"

Changing the culture could be the most important thing Diaz does this season to set the tone of the program for the future.

The hiring of Lashlee should have a huge impact on how the offense evolves on and off the filed. It appears that the Gus Malzahn disciple has connected quickly with the Miami offensive players.

There was a disconnect for Miami on offense last year, especially with the QBs. A lack of leadership on offense from the QBs hurt Miami in 2019. King and Lashlee should change that and create a different mindset for the Miami offense in the future. If the Hurricanes offense plays up to expectations 2020 can be a special season.