Former Miami Hurricanes head coach, Randy Shannon has a unique perspective of both the University of Miami and Florida State University. Shannon was a trusted defensive coordinator under former Canes coach, Larry Coker. The Miami native has remained primarily in the state of Florida during his various coaching stints.
In 2021, Shannon did the unthinkable. He was hired by the University of Miami's prime nemesis, the Florida State Seminoles as a Senior defensive analyst. Coach Shannon would also serve as a co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, as well as coaching on an interim basis, with that same coaching title. The talented coordinator's stint with the Seminoles ended in 2024, when Shannon's services were needed in the National Football League (Shannon was hired by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2025 preseason).
Back in 2007, Randy Shannon was the head coach of the Miami Hurricanes, a title he held until 2010. Most Hurricane alum, assumed that Shannon, who is also a University of Miami graduate, would transition the Hurricane program back to its previous glory and dominance, but unfortunately, it did not work out, although Shannon's teams were respectable and ranked primarily in the top twenty-five in the nation. During coach Shannon's tenure as the Hurricanes head man, the program was tainted by allegations, which was later determined he did not become intertwined with.
Tallahassee and Miami are contrasting Florida cities. Tallahassee is more laid-back, with a slower pace and the city of Miami is known for its fast-paced way of living and vibrant nightlife. Coach Randy Shannon definitely qualifies as someone who is familiar with how both programs and towns operate.
The University of Miami and Florida State are two well-renowned and respected college football programs, that happen to play in the same conference. Both programs have a rich college football tradition. It would have been very interesting to see coach Shannon don the arch-rival's colors. Shannon enjoyed a plethora of success during his playing days and coaching tenure when the Miami Hurricanes were battling for perennial national titles. Coach Randy Shannon has been part of the Canes/Seminoles rivalry as a player, coach, and opposing coach for both programs.