After too many defensive collapses in 2024, Mario Cristobal hired Corey Hetherman from Minnesota as the new coordinator. At ACC Kickoff on Tuesday in Charlotte, Cristobal discussed the traits that led to Hetherman being hired as the new Miami defensive coordinator.
Cristobal likes the fit Hetherman has for what the Miami defense needs to do. Hetherman is expected to return Miami to the aggressive defense they have traditionally played. Defensive breakdowns cost Miami in their losses and led to at least two other games the offense had to rescue the defense.
Minnesota was ninth nationally in 2024, allowing 16.9 points per game and fifth with opponents averaging 285.7 total yards per game. Hetherman is joined by new defensive line coach Damione Lewis, defensive backs coach Zac Ethridge and safeties coach Will Harris on the Miami staff.
Cristobal hiring Hetherman goes beyond scheme. The ability for Hetherman to teach impressed Cristobal. Four Minnesota defensive players earned All-Big 10 in 2024. Hetherman will be coaching the linebackers in addition to his duties as defensive coordinator.
"We found a guy in Corey Hetherman. It's not the fact that he was a highly coveted guy, it's the fact that he is an elite teacher and human being and a guy that really does really well what we need our defense to do and to be."
The ability for Hetherman to adapt intrigued Cristobal. Miami was unable to adapt defensively in 2024, both because of injuries and through an inability to make in-game adjustments. Miami brought in 10 defensive transfers, with six in the secondary, to help Hetherman in 2025.
His use of personnel, his ability to adapt, his track record and his productivity, particularly last year at Minnesota, was enough evidence for us to feel comfortable in bringing him in, and he hasn't disappointed. He brings an elite level of commitment, of work ethic, of teaching capabilities,
Last season was the first for Hetherman as a Division I coordinator. Hetherman did not become a Football Bowl Subdivision position coach until 2022 and 2023 with Rutgers, when he coached LBs. Hetherman is a pivotal hire for Cristobal as his third defensive coordinator entering his fourth season as the Miami head coach.
If Miami is going to accomplish its goals in 2024, the defense needs to be productive in 2025. Too often in 2024, the Miami defense let down leading to losses or the offense had to practically win games themselves. Miami is projected to be more talented defensively in 2025.