Miami Retains Coordinators After National Title Game Loss

Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson and defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman agree to new multi-year deals.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of orange, green, and white, abstractly depicting a college football game or match.Miami's coaching staff will look to build on the program's recent success after securing contract extensions for its top coordinators.Today in Miami

Despite falling short in the National Championship game, Miami football is keeping its top assistant coaches. The Hurricanes have agreed to new multi-year contracts with offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson and defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman, who helped lead the team to the title game in 2024.

Why it matters

Retaining key coaching staff is crucial for Miami as they look to build on their recent success and make another run at a national title. Dawson and Hetherman were instrumental in the Hurricanes' turnaround, and keeping them in place provides stability and continuity as the program aims to take the next step.

The details

Dawson just completed his third season as Miami's offensive coordinator, helping develop quarterback Cam Ward into the No. 1 overall draft pick. He coordinated the Hurricanes' top-ranked scoring and total offense in 2024. Hetherman joined Miami last year and led a defensive turnaround, guiding the unit to the No. 5 scoring defense in the country after it ranked 70th the prior season.

  • Miami reached the National Championship game in 2024.
  • Dawson and Hetherman just completed their third and first seasons, respectively, with the Hurricanes.

The players

Shannon Dawson

Miami's offensive coordinator who has agreed to a new multi-year contract with the school.

Corey Hetherman

Miami's defensive coordinator who has also agreed to a new multi-year deal to remain with the Hurricanes.

Cam Ward

Miami's quarterback who was developed by Dawson and was the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Sources: Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson has agreed to a new multi-year contract with the school. Dawson just completed his third year at Miami, where he helped develop Cam Ward to the No. 1 overall pick and coordinatoed the No. 1 scoring and total offense in 2024.”

— Pete Thamel, ESPN Reporter

“Sources: Miami has agreed to a new multi-year contract with defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman. In his first year at Miami, he led a turnaround to the nation's No. 5 scoring defense from the No. 70 in the year before he arrived.”

— Pete Thamel, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

Miami will look to build on its recent success and make another run at a national championship in the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Retaining Dawson and Hetherman provides stability and continuity for a Miami program that is on the rise. Their ability to develop talent and coordinate high-powered units will be crucial as the Hurricanes aim to take the next step and win a national title.