Some Miami fans want revenge against Bethune-Cookman for Ed Reed saga

Leading up to the matchup against Bethune-Cookman, some Miami fans want the Canes to show out for Ed Reed in a way to seek revenge over the tumultuous 25 day coaching hire.

Ed Reed’s tenure at Bethune-Cookman lasted 25 days on paper and far less in practice. It was a high-profile saga that began with a celebrated hire and ended before a contract was signed. The Pro Football Hall of Famer and Miami Hurricanes legend reached an "agreement in principle" with the FCS program on Dec. 27, 2022, only for the university to announce on Jan. 21, 2023, that it would not proceed with negotiations.

Reed’s appointment arrived as Bethune-Cookman sought a reset after a 2–9 season in 2022, its second straight 2–9 campaign since joining the SWAC in 2021. The Wildcats finished 2–6 in league play in 2022.

The turning point came in mid-January when Reed posted profanity-laced videos on social media criticizing campus and football facilities — saying his office had not been cleaned and showing trash around outdoor areas — while also acknowledging he was not yet under contract. He issued a public apology the next day, citing "lack of professionalism" and conceding his "language and tone were unacceptable."

Bethune-Cookman then cut ties on Jan. 21. The school said it had "decided not to proceed with contract negotiations," while Reed announced on Instagram Live that the university would not ratify the deal.

Fallout followed on and off campus. Students organized demonstrations the week of Jan. 23, citing housing and facility concerns and echoing some of Reed’s criticisms; local coverage described hours-long protests and campus meetings. Interim president Lawrence M. Drake II later addressed the situation in a public letter as the school moved to restart its coaching search.

Athletic director Reggie Theus said publicly the decision was based on fit and conduct, adding that Reed had been informed of the program’s resource limitations during discussions.

Months before Reed’s arrival, Bethune-Cookman’s campus and athletics operations were disrupted by Hurricane Ian (and later Nicole), with the football team displaced and practicing off campus in October 2022. That recent storm damage compounded long-standing facility challenges at an HBCU navigating the post-pandemic world.

Reed is now the offensive coordinator of Chamblee High School near Atlanta, GA. Miami and Bethune-Cookman will face off on Saturday at 7 PM EST.