[2024] Dearden Unveiled as Miami Hurricanes Head Coach

[dearden]

Coral Gables, Florida - Coach @dearden has been unveiled as the new Head Coach of the Miami Hurricanes football team.  After the mid-season departure of Coach @cultur3 and the hiring of interim-head coach @kwheele by the University of Arkansas ahead of their Birmingham Bowl appearance, the University of Miami and the Atlantic Coast Conference sought to identify and appoint a long-term coaching solution for the Hurricanes.  

Coming off of a 7-5 (6-2) debut regular season as Head Coach of the Appalachian State, Coach Dearden was approached to take over at Miami ahead of the 2025 season.  While sources indicate that the initial deal - a six-year, $7.65 million contact - was finalized earlier this month, the college football world would have to wait until after Week 17, a stipulation made by Coach Dearden to allow for him to remain the Mountaineers Head Coach for their postseason game, to see who Miami had hired and if it were an astute appointment.

While the Hurricanes fell 28-16 in the Military Bowl, Appalachian State ran out convincing 48-21 victors over Oklahoma State two days later, racking up 700 all-purpose yards on the way to a New Mexico Bowl win.  If not an astute appointment, the dichotomy of Miami and Appalachian State in Week 17 and their performances at least suggest that the hiring of Coach Dearden could signal a step in the right direction for the languishing Hurricanes.

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“The incoming coach is a promising, up-and-coming figure in the football world. They have demonstrated not only a deep understanding of the game but also a dynamic presence in the media. This individual has quickly become a media icon, known for their expressive nature, innovative coaching strategies, and commitment to player development.  This appointment represents a new chapter for Miami Hurricanes football. We are confident that this coach's fresh perspective and energy will revitalize the program, building on its rich legacy while steering it towards an exciting future. The decision to bring in a coach with such a unique profile reflects Miami's commitment to excellence, both on and off the field.”

-ACC Commissioner @Kirby

 

Over the past four seasons, the Hurricanes have accumulated a combined record of 18-31 (13-20), finishing 11th in the ACC in both 2021 and 2022, before jumping to 8th in 2023, and rounding-out 2024 dead-center in the ACC at 9th while securing their first bowl appearance.  During that time, two head coaches and an interim-head coach have passed through Miami; Hurricane hopes that any one of these coaches would make South Florida their home dashed as quickly as their respective coaching tenures.

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“I believe that one of my predecessors said it best: ‘the five national championships, twenty national award winners, countless All-Americans, incredible tradition. It's a dream job.’  The Miami Hurricanes are a prestigious football program, one that ought to be competing for an ACC Championship Title - hell, the National Championship - on a yearly basis.  Anything less is unacceptable, and unfortunately, that’s the kind of football our fans have been subjected to in recent years.  That stops today.  We’re going to be taking the fight to our opponents and rivals throughout the season, relentlessly pursuing our goal to bring the Miami Hurricanes back to the pinnacle of college football.  I’ve spoken to my coaching staff, our returning players, and the administration about expectations and we’re all on the same page - we want to win football games and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”

-Dearden

With the 2024 football season officially behind them, the Miami Hurricanes look to utilize the transfer portal to supplement their existing talent before preparing for 2025.