In a bit of good news to start the week, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Miami Hurricanes coordinators Shannon Dawson and Corey Hetherman had both agreed to contract extensions to stay in Coral Gables.
Dawson and Hetherman have done great work at Miami, and have helped the Canes elevate the program to the current status. Each has been a candidate for jobs elsewhere, with Dawson being an option for head coaching jobs, and Hetherman in consideration for NFL DC jobs, per Thamel. Instead of taking those opportunities, both are staying in the Gables.
This is huge for Miami. We’ve seen attrition from the staff in other places, with RB coach Matt Merritt and CB coach Will Harris both heading to the Arizona Cardinals. And, before that, DB coach Jahmile Addae went to the Buffalo Bills, and RB coach Thomas Brown leaving for the Los Angeles Chargers, among others. But, instead of seeing that brain drain continue, Miami has stepped up to retain two of the best coordinators in the country for the foreseeable future.
This can only be viewed as a positive, in my opinion. Continuity matters, and keeping great talent isn’t just a fight for the active roster. Keeping these key assistants maintains the foundation of the program for the Canes, as they look to push forward for another strong season in 2026, and beyond.
Great job, everyone. And congrats to coach Dawson and coach Hetherman! Glad you decided to stick around!
