Miami Extends Top Coordinators After Title Game Run

Offensive and defensive leaders locked up after Hurricanes' first national championship appearance in 20 years.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:40am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of orange, green, and white, conceptually representing the strategic elements of a college football game.Miami's coordinators will look to build on the program's breakthrough 2025 season with their contract extensions.Miami Today

The University of Miami has extended the contracts of both its offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson and defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman following the Hurricanes' successful 2025 season that included the program's first national championship game appearance in over two decades.

Why it matters

Retaining top assistant coaches is crucial for Miami to build on its recent success and compete for ACC and national titles in the coming years. Dawson and Hetherman were key architects of an offense and defense that helped the Hurricanes reach new heights in 2025.

The details

The contract extensions for Dawson and Hetherman will keep them in Coral Gables through at least the 2028 season. Both coordinators received raises and additional performance incentives as part of the new deals. Miami head coach Mario Cristobal cited their leadership and player development as critical factors in the team's breakthrough campaign.

  • The Hurricanes finished the 2025 season with a 12-2 record and their first national championship game appearance since 2001.
  • Miami lost to Alabama in the title game, but the season was still viewed as a major success for the program.

The players

Shannon Dawson

Miami's offensive coordinator, who has overseen a high-powered attack the last three seasons.

Corey Hetherman

Miami's defensive coordinator, who has built one of the ACC's top units during his tenure.

Mario Cristobal

The head coach of the Miami Hurricanes, who is entering his fifth season leading the program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Shannon and Corey have been instrumental in our program's resurgence, and we're thrilled to have them leading our offense and defense for the foreseeable future.”

— Mario Cristobal, Head Coach, Miami Hurricanes

What’s next

Miami will look to build on its 2025 success and compete for an ACC championship and a return trip to the College Football Playoff in 2026.

The takeaway

Retaining top assistant coaches is a key part of sustaining success in college football, and Miami has made a strong commitment to Dawson and Hetherman as the program aims to compete for national titles on a regular basis.