MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Miami has reportedly come to an agreement with Corey Hetherman from Minnesota to become its new defensive coordinator. This information was shared by an individual familiar with the matter on Saturday, who requested to remain anonymous since neither the institution nor Hetherman has made an official announcement. The hiring is expected to be finalized soon, subject to a standard background check and university procedures.

Hetherman served one season as the defensive coordinator at Minnesota, during which he made significant progress with the team’s performance. Under his guidance, the Golden Gophers currently rank fifth in the nation for the fewest yards allowed per game and ninth for the least points allowed per game. These figures represent a remarkable improvement from the previous year, when Minnesota placed 56th for yards allowed and was tied for 69th in points allowed.

Possessing a diverse coaching background, Hetherman shares some career similarities with Miami’s head coach Mario Cristobal. Both have had brief experiences in Europe, with Cristobal playing there and Hetherman coaching. Additionally, they both have connections to Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano, as Hetherman was a linebackers coach on Schiano’s team for two seasons. Notably, he coached during the 2023 Pinstripe Bowl, where Rutgers triumphed over Miami. Beyond his stint at Minnesota, Hetherman has held coaching positions at various institutions including James Madison, Maine, Pace, Old Dominion, Western New England, Northeastern, Springfield, King’s College, and his alma mater, Fitchburg State, where he played the quarterback position.

At Miami, Hetherman is set to fill the role left vacant by Lance Guidry, who was dismissed after the Hurricanes suffered losses in three out of their last four games this season. Notably, Miami’s defense struggled in those games, allowing a minimum of 38 points and 500 yards in each of the last two contests, which were defeats against Syracuse and Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.