Maligned Miami defensive coordinator Lance Guidry was fired by Miami on Tuesday morning. The Miami defense was extremely inconsistent throughout the 2024 season, often from one possession to the next. Miami allowed 83 points in its last two games of the 2024 season when the offense scored 79.
Guidry just completed his second season as Miami's defensive coordinator. Miami is 68th nationally allowing 25.3 points per game and 27th with opponents gaining 327.2 yards per game. Miami's biggest flaw defensively in 2024 was a secondary that was 102nd allowing 43 completions of 20 or more yards,
Miami regressed defensively in ACC play. The Hurricanes finished 13th versus ACC opponents allowing 30.8 PPG and fourth allowing 363.4 total yards per game. Miami was unable to get key stops in losses to Georgia Tech, Syracuse and Iowa State over the last four games of the 2024 season.
Several Miami defensive players had their production decrease from 2023. Defensive lineman Rueben Bain was not the same after sustaining an injury in the season opener at Florida and subsequently missed multiple games. Middle linebacker Francisco Mauigoa did not produce at the same level in 2024 as in 2023.
Mario Cristobal’s statement on Lance Guidry’s firing. pic.twitter.com/tyLY4kO8Zf
— Adam Lichtenstein (@ABLichtenstein) December 31, 2024
The inability to hold opponents to field goals in the red zone was another failure of the 2024 Maimi defense. Miami was last nationally allowing opponents to score touchdowns on 92.86 percent of their red zone trips during losses. With Miami's three losses by 10 points total, that was a critical stat for Miami in 2024.
Expect Mario Cristobal to be methodical in hiring the next Miami defensive coordinator. Cristobal has always taken a measured approach with coaching hires throughout his tenure with Miami. Cristobal was clearly ready to make a change and likely as a list of candidates already lined up to interview in the new year.