Miami hired Jacksonville State cornerback coach Terry Jefferson as a defensive assistant per multiple reports. Jefferson worked at Jacksonville State for two seasons under Rich Rodriguez. Miami transfer safety Zechariah Poyser worked with Jefferson during the last two seasons at Jacksonville State.
Jefferson returns to Miami where he worked with the defensive backs in 2022 after two seasons working in the recruiting and personnel department and assisted with football operations. Jacksonville State defensive backs Derek Carter and Jeremiah Harris earned second-team All-Conference USA honors working with Jefferson.
In its first season in FBS under Rodriguez, Jacksonville State finished 9-4 and won the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Harris had 65 tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss, two interceptions and three pass breakups in 2023. Carter had 44 tackles, 2.0 TFLs and led Jacksonville State with eight pass breakups.
Although Jacksonville State tied for 94th nationally allowing 241.2 passing yards per game in 2023, the Gamecocks were 19th in the nation permitting 15 touchdowns through the air and 10th with 16 interceptions. Jacksonville State's pass defense improved in 2024 led by Freshman All-American Poyser.
Jacksonville State was No. 6 nationally in 2024 allowing 218.2 passing yards per game, 85th permitting 21 TD passes and No. 44 with 12 interceptions. Poyser had 75 tackles, 3.0 TFLs and was second on Jacksonville State with 8.0 TFLs and two fumble recoveries. Two Jacksonville State defensive backs were named All-Conference USA.
Safety Fred Perry led Jacksonville State with 110 tackles and had 10.0 TFLs, 3.0 sacks, two passes defended, one fumble recovery and two forced fumbles to earn first-team all-Conference USA. Geimere Latimer had 46 tackles, three interceptions and six PBUs to earn second-team All-Conference USA.
Jefferson is a young coaching addition to the Miami staff. Before becoming a coach, Jefferson was a three-time All-Mid Eastern Athletic Conference player and All-American at Florida A&M. Jefferson had 217 career tackles and led FAMU in interceptions in 2016 and 2017 per his Jacksonville State profile.
Jefferson returns home where he was a star at legendary Booker T. Washington and helped lead the Tornadoes to the No. 1 ranking nationally. Miami previously hired Zac Etheridge as the new cornerbacks coach from Houston, as recently hired Miami defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman builds his staff.