David Hale of ESPN posted to his X account this week, stating that Miami defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman should be a finalist for the Broyles award, which honors the best assistant coach in college football. Miami has improved significantly on defense in 2025.
Hale posted a chart showing that Miami has improved in points allowed per game, per play, their pressure rate, total QBR, yards allowed per dropback, defensive EPA, defensive success percentage, explosives allowed and efficiency in 2025.
Miami was 69th nationally in 2024, allowing 24.3 points per game, 27th in total defense, allowing 327.2 yards per game, 19th allowing 112.77 rushing YPG and 57th with opponents gaining 214.4 rushing YPG.
Miami is seventh nationally in 2025, allowing 14.2 PPG, ninth permitting 270.9 total YPG, third with opponents gaining 81.80 rushing YPG and 28th with opposing teams posting 189.1 passing YPG. By nearly every measure, Miami has improved defensively in 2025.
Corey Hetherman really ought to be a Broyles finalist. The job he's done with Miami's D is incredible. Put 2025 Canes D with 2024 Canes O and they're winning a natty. pic.twitter.com/MTDRtJgzSN
— 💫🅰️♈️🆔 (@ADavidHaleJoint) November 17, 2025
Hetherman has instituted a more aggressive defense in 2025. The biggest upgrade for Miami in 2025 has been in the secondary. Miami head coach Mario Cristobal and his staff remade the Hurricanes' secondary during the 2025 offseason through the transfer portal.
Cornerbacks Xavier Lucas and Ethan O'Connor, nickleback Keionte Scott and safeties Zechariah Poyser and Jakobe Thomas have all been productive for Miami as transfers in 2025. Miami had elite edge rushers, Rueben Bain and Akleem Mesidor, in 2024, but the secondary has elevated Miami defensively in 2025.
Hetherman had only one season as a defensive coordinator in the Football Bowl Subdivision at Minnesota in 2024 before being hired by Cristobal at Miami. Minnesota was ninth, allowing 16.9 PPG and fifth, permitting 285.7 YPG in 2025.
Hetherman was the 2021 AFCA Football Championship Subdivision Assistant Coach of the Year as the defensive coordinator for James Madison. James Madison was eighth allowing 16.5 PPG and fifth, holding opponents to 243.4 YPG in 2021.