Miami Hurricanes News: Football multiple staff changes, Hoops rising

The Miami Hurricanes football staff had reports of multiple staff changes on Tuesday. Houston offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson and Cincinnati linebackers coach Derek Nicholson are expected to join the Miami football program. Running backs coach Kevin Smith is expected to return to Mississippi.

Dawson is projected to become the Miami quarterbacks coach in addition to being the OC. Dawson was at Houston for the last four years with the last three as offensive coordinator. Throughout his career, Dawson has had 15 years total as an OC. Dawson who comes from the air raid system is a big change for Mario Cristobal.

Nicholson has only been on the Cincinnati staff for two months after following head coach Scott Satterfield from Louisville. Nicholson spent the last three years at Louisville in his second stint with the Cardinals. Nicholson joins Miami as an alumnus of the Florida State football program leading them in tackles in 2007 and 2008.

Smith returns to Mississippi to rejoin Lane Kiffin after one year on the Miami staff. Miami was 95th nationally in 2022 averaging 128.33 yards rushing per game. Southridge alum Smith returned home coaching at Miami. Miami lost RBs Thad Franklin and Jaylan Knighton to the transfer portal after the 2022 season.

Following its 80-72 win over North Carolina on Monday night the Miami Hurricanes basketball team moved up five spots to 14th in the daily CBS Sports Top 25 and one rankings. Miami also moved up from 34th to 30th in the NCAA Net Ratings that are used to determine seedings for the tournament.

Following the staff movement on Tuesday, Cristobal will focus on hiring RB and wide receiver coaches with less than three weeks remaining until spring practice begins on March 4. Dawson and defensive coordinator Lance Guidry who was hired last week will be busy installing their systems before spring practice begins.