Miami football LB coach Derek Nicholson Preseason All-ACC staff

Linebackers coach Derek Nicholson was named to the first-team “247Sports’ Preseason All-ACC coaching staff.”  Offensive line coach Alex Mirabal, running backs coach Tim Harris Jr., receivers coach Kevin Beard and defensive backs coach Jahmile Addae were second-team to have nearly half the Miami football staff named.

Brandon Marcello wrote the summary for the All-ACC coaching staff utilizing the Matrix Analytical Solutions’ Coach Rating Index. The qualifications to be on the team were that all coaches must have four years of experience, two defensive backs coaches will be on each team and the grades only include on-field results.

The coaching rating system used a star grade similar to recruits from one through five stars. Marcello went into further explanation in his article. Addae and Mirabal are entering their second season on the Mario Cristobal Miami staff. Beard, Harris and Nicholson will be in their inaugural season working under Cristobal.

Nicholson coached first-team All-ACC linebacker Yasir Abdullah and Momo Sanogo who earned honorable mention All-ACC in 2022. Transfer middle LB Francisco Mauigoa and sophomore Wesley Bissinthe have the potential to earn All-ACC under Nicholson in their first season with Miami. Marcello summarized Nicholson.

"“Linebackers coach: Derek Nicholson, Miami, 79.51| Experience: 7 yearsNicholson enters his first season at Miami after a strong stint at Louisville (three seasons) and Southern Miss (two seasons), where he coached five linebackers to all-conference honors in the last five seasons.The former Florida State linebacker helped coach defenses that led the country in interceptions and finished in the top 10 in sacks twice.”Offensive line coach: Alex Mirabal, Miami (73.31)Experience: 13 yearsRunning backs coach: Tim Harris Jr., Miami (64.44)Experience: 8 yearsReceivers coach: Kevin Beard, Miami (67.62)Experience: 6 years"

Although recruiting is not included, Mirabal led the effort for the Miami football team to acquire talent that is expected to greatly improve the OL in 2023. Miami signed five-star freshmen offensive tackles Francis Mauigoa and Samson Okunlola in addition to transfers Javion Cohen and Matt Lee on the 2023 Miami OL.

Cohen, Lee and Mauigoa are all expected to start in 2023 with Okunlola being in the OL rotation. Mauigoa and Okunlola were two of the five OL Miami signed in the 2023 class. Miami also brings in three-star signees Tommy Kinsler, Frankie Tinilau and Antonio Tripp. Miami should be far more productive on the OL in 2023.

Harris joins the Miami staff with a nearly completely rebuilt RB corps. Henry Parrish is the only returning RB on the Miami roster that played significant snaps in 2022. Don Chaney Jr. and Tre’Vonte Citizen return from injury. Miami signed four-star RBs Mark Fletcher and Chris Johnson in the 2023 class.

Beard will work with a mix of newcomers and returnees at WR. Miami returns Colbie Young who led the Miami WRs in receptions, receiving yards and TDs in 2022. Xavier Restrepo was the go-to receiver for Tyler Van Dyke early in the season before missing seven games with an injury. Miami also added several new WRs.

Nathaniel Joseph and Robby Washington join Miami as WRs in the 2023 class. Tyler Harrell and Shemar Kirk join the Miami football program as transfers at WR. Cristobal conducted a partial overhaul of the Miami coaching staff for 2023. Defensive line coach Jason Taylor is also new in his position to the 2023 Miami staff.