This was not the news Miami Hurricanes football fans were hoping for. According to a report from On3's Pete Nakos, Tennessee Volunteers defensive coordinator Tim Banks turned down the Miami Hurricanes after he was offered the DC job in Coral Gables. Miami has been searching for a new defensive coordinator since firing Lance Guidry after two seasons on New Year's Eve.
Tennessee ranked eighth nationally in 2024 by giving up 16.1 points per game and were seventh in the nation for allowing 293.2 yards per game. The Volunteers gave up 103.9 rushing YPG and 189.3 passing yards per contest - Miami was significantly worse than those numbers.
Miami was 68th nationally by allowing 25.3 points per game and 27th with opponents gaining 327.2 yards per game. The Hurricanes gave up 112.7 rushing yards per game and 214.4 passing yards per outing. Miami's biggest flaw defensively in 2024 has been giving up big plays. The defense gave up 43 completions of 20 or more yards.
The expectation should be that Mario Cristobal will be methodical and secretive about who he will hire as his next defensive coordinator. When Guidry and offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson were hired in 2023, Cristobal waited until February to hire them.
Tennessee's Tim Banks reportedly turned down an offer to become Miami's new DC
Despite not having a defensive coordinator, five of the eight transfers Miami has added for 2025 are on defense. That includes cornerback Ethan O'Connor, who committed to Miami from Washington State on Saturday. Expect Miami to continue adding transfers on defense to the 2025 roster.
Cristobal could be waiting to target someone who is on the staffs of Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State and Texas, programs that are in the College Football Playoff semifinals this week. With Banks turning down the Canes, Cristobal will target the next name on his board as the potential defensive coordinator for Miami. Reports indicate Banks is the frontrunner to become Clemson's new DC too.
Getting the defensive coordinator hire right is critical for Cristobal. The successor to Guidry will be the third defensive coordinator in four seasons under Cristobal at Miami. Kevin Steele preceded Guidry and linebackers coach Charlie Strong was technically the co-defensive coordinator in 2021.