Speaking to reporters for the first time in 2025, one of the topics Miami head coach Mario Cristobal discussed was the reasons for hiring Corey Hetherman from Minnesota as defensive coordinator. Four main reasons were provided on the Miami Football X account on Sunday following Hetherman being hired.
The reasons mentioned for hiring Hetherman are a four-down defensive front, explosive play at all three levels, elite communication and physically/mentally tough units. Cristobal reiterated the four down front, wanting the edge players to be disruptive, communicate, forcing turnovers and putting pressure on the quarterback.
Cristobal wants opposing QBs to feel uncomfortable and a coordinator with adaptability. A common criticism of the Miami defense in 2024 was the inability to make adjustments to what opposing offenses were doing. Gaby Urrutia of Inside the U transcribed the comments from Cristobal.
Hetherman led an elite Minnesota defense in 2024. Minnesota was ninth nationally in 2024, allowing 16.9 points per game, fourth permitting 285.7 total yards per game, 12th allowing 109.62 rushing yards per game and ninth with opponents gaining 285.7 passing yards per game.
"We're built to be a four-down front and turn our edge players loose and be disruptive. And that's what he has done at really, at all levels, and most recently at the power four level in the Big 10. So really sound the communication. They play really, really physical. They tackle really, really well. They certainly force a significant amount of turnovers, and they put pressure on the quarterback, right? They make you play uncomfortable. "Miami head coach Mario Cristobal
Hetherman will have to get more out of his defensive line with Miami than he did at Minnesota for the Hurricanes to reach Cristobal's goal of being disruptive. Minnesota was 92nd in 2025 with 5.08 tackles for loss per game and 56th averaging 2.15 sacks per game. Miami averaged 6.56 TFLs and 2.77 sacks per game in 2024.
Minnesota finished 36 nationally in 2024 forcing 21 turnovers with 17 interceptions and four forced fumbles. The physicality played out with Minnesota finishing 19th nationally allowing 3.50 rushing yards per game. Minnesota was 68th allowing opponents to convert 38.95 percent of their third down attempts.
In the red zone, Minnesota was 38th nationally holding opponents to scores on 87.5 percent of their trips inside the 20 and 48th with opponents scoring touchdowns on 64.58 of their trips. Those numbers along with Miami getting into opponents' backfields have to improve in 2025.