Miami Hurricanes new CB Coach DeMarcus VanDyke was close to Utah State job
Before taking the job as the cornerbacks coach for the Miami Hurricanes DeMarcus Van Dyke already had his airplane ticket booked to Logan, Utah to follow former co-defensive coordinator Ephraim Banda. Banda was hired by Blake Anderson to be the Aggies’ DC. Van Dyke was expected to become the Utah State CB Coach.
When Manny Diaz reassigned Mike Rumph to what is expected to be a job in the Miami Hurricanes recruiting department, Van Dyke was offered the position of CB coach. Van Dyke will work with newly hired defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson. The elevation of Van Dyke is thought to be in part to improve recruiting.
Van Dyke joined the Miami Hurricanes staff as the defensive quality control analyst in 2018. Van Dyke was promoted to assistant director of recruiting in 2019. Playing for Miami from 2007-2010, Van Dyke recorded 79 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, three interceptions and one pass breakup. Van Dyke played six seasons in the NFL.
Van Dyke was quoted by the Miami Herald as being excited about working with recently added transfer Tyrique Stevenson. Van Dyke expects Stevenson to bring a different element and added athleticism to the Miami football team. Stevenson was the third-highest ranked CB in the Class of 2019.
My guy! Going to miss you bro. I know you’re going to do great things up there! Now I have nobody to call fouls on at noon hoops 😂😂 https://t.co/HZc4joHEDT
— DeMarcus Van Dyke (@Coach_DVD) January 30, 2021
Van Dyke on nearly leaving Miami for Utah State
"“I actually booked my ticket to Logan…A few days later [UM] Coach [Manny] Diaz gave me a call and offered me the job.”"
Van Dyke is part of a nearly completely remade Miami defensive staff. The only coach remaining on the defensive staff from 2020 is Jonathan Patke who coaches strikers and is also the special teams coordinator. In addition to Robinson and Van Dyke, Miami also brought back Jess Simpson as the defensive line coach.
Simpson coached the DL for Miami under Mark Richt and when Diaz was the defensive coordinator in 2018 before leaving for the Atlanta Falcons. Simpson replaces his successor Todd Stroud. Robinson is replacing Banda as the safeties coach in a newly defined role. Robinson could also be elevated to DC.
Next. DeMarcus Van Dyke: Tyrique Stevenson brings different element. dark
Former Miami defensive coordinator Blake Baker left for LSU on Friday to become the LB coach for the Tigers. Baker’s departure had a lot to do with Diaz taking over the defensive play-calling for the 2021 season. Diaz could choose to hire only a LB coach and be the de-factor DC or hire someone who will not call the defense.