Miami Hurricanes News: QB coach Frank Ponce leaves, Hoops beats ‘Cuse
Miami Hurricanes quarterback coach Frank Ponce is leaving the Miami football program to return to Appalachian State for the same position and offensive coordinator. Ponce called plays for the first time in his career as the Mountaineers OC and QB coach during the 2021 season before returning home to Miami.
The Miami Hurricanes basketball team rallied from a 55-44 second-half deficit to defeat Syracuse 82-78 at the Watsco Center on Monday night. Miami improved to 15-3 overall and 6-2 in sole possession of second place in the ACC. Norchad Omier led the way with 16 points and 16 rebounds in the win.
After their loss at North Carolina State on Saturday the Miami basketball team fell one spot each to 17th in the AP Top 25 and to 16th in the USA Today Coaches Poll. Miami was ranked as high as 12th in both polls on January 2. That was the highest ranking for Miami since December 2017.
The departure by Ponce created a lot of speculation on social media by Miami fans if offensive coordinator Josh Gattis is next. Gattis being the Miami offensive coordinator and wide receiver coach is unusual in college football. Several other ACC programs have not finalized their coaching staff yet.
BREAKING: Miami QB coach Frank Ponce is heading back to Appalachian State to be offensive coordinator. Ponce, a South Florida native, did an excellent job calling plays for App State in 2021 (34.5 ppg, 22nd among FBS teams). Hope to see him back home in the near future.
— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) January 16, 2023
Candidates to replace Ponce could depend on what decision Miami head coach Mario Cristobal makes with Gattis. If Gattis does not return to the Miami coaching staff, Cristobal could decide to go the more traditional route and hire an offensive coordinator that is also a QBs coach and hire a separate WR coach.
If Gattis is retained, Cristobal would then pursue a QB coach to replace Ponce. The departure by Ponce had created speculation limited to what will happen with Gattis in the short term. No names have emerged as a potential replacements for Ponce. Clarity on the coaching staff will be needed before QB coaching candidates emerge.
dark. Next. Miami QB coach Frank Ponce returns to Appalachian State as OC
The Miami women’s basketball team hopes to continue its hot streak when they travel to North Carolina State on Tuesday night. Miami has won five straight games to improve to 12-6. Charlie Creme of ESPN projected Miami as an 11 seed in the NCAA Tournament on Friday before Miami beat Wake Forest on Sunday.