Miami Hurricanes LB coach Travis Williams expected to become UCF DC

According to Adam Rittenberg of ESPN, Miami Hurricanes linebackers coach Travis Williams is expected to be named as the defensive coordinator at Central Florida. Wiliams was hired by Miami earlier this month after previously serving as the Co-DC and LB coach at Auburn under Gus Malzahn.

Malzahn was hired as the head coach at Central Florida on Monday. The initial report that Malzahn and UCF were interested in Williams was broken by Rittenberg’s colleague Cole Cubelic on Monday. Williams was hired by Auburn in 2014 spending the following two seasons as a Defensive Analyst with the Tigers.

Williams was elevated to LB coach at Auburn in 2016 before adding the title of Co-DC in 2018. The loss of Williams to UCF would be difficult for Miami but understandable with Williams give the opportunity to improve his own situation. Miami Hurricanes head coach returned 18 days after taking the Temple job in 2018.

Coaches improving their situations and their own careers are frequent in a nomadic profession. Miami recently longtime DC Bob Shoop as an analyst. Shoop could at the least become the interim LB coach or replace Williams if that’s the direction Diaz wants to go in. Miami athletic director Blake James discussed the situation.

"“I don’t know of anything being official yet…I’ve heard the speculation that Travis will have an opportunity to become defensive coordinator and work with Coach Malzahn at Central Florida. When you look at it from that perspective, it’s an opportunity for him to better improve his situation.That’s not his role here with us. I think anytime someone leaves, you’re disappointed. The timing, though, it’s honestly part of the industry that we live in. I think it’d be hypocritical to question it in one case but be happy and fine with it when it benefits you in others. Hate to lose people that are great coaches or great parts to our staff.Unfortunately, I haven’t even had the opportunity to meet Travis yet in person, given the COVID situation and our lack of ability to really interact within the department.”Courtes Sun-Sentinel"

Miami has some other options to replace Williams if he moves to Orlando. Miami Hurricanes alum Randy Shannon was previously the DC at UCF and not expected to be retained, Williams former Co-DC at Auburn Kevin Steele is available and former Miami LB and coach Micheal Barrow could all be potential hires.

Expect Diaz to act quickly to identify candidates for a potential Williams replacement. Miami is scheduled to start spring practice on March 17. The Hurricanes need better play from their LBs in 2021. Williams was hired to improve the play for Miami at LB and because of his reputation as an excellent recruiter.