Corey Hetherman, the Gophers’ defensive coordinator, is leaving Minnesota after just one season to accept the same position at Miami (Fla.), according to sources confirmed to the Minnesota Star Tribune on Saturday. Hetherman, 44, finished his lone season with the Gophers by guiding the defense to a 24-10 victory over Virginia Tech in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on January 3.
In December, Hetherman had received a contract extension through 2026, which included a pay raise to $1.19 million annually, a $340,000 increase.
However, Hetherman will owe a $600,000 buyout for leaving, which is expected to be covered by Miami. The move to the Hurricanes is expected to come with a significant salary increase for Hetherman.
Under Hetherman’s leadership, Minnesota’s defense ranked among the best nationally in several categories: ninth in points allowed (16.9 per game), fifth in total defense (285.7 yards per game), and tied for ninth in passing defense (176.1 yards per game). The Gophers also ranked seventh in interceptions with 22 and 17th in turnover margin.
Hetherman’s departure marks another change for Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck, who has now faced the task of filling a coordinator position for four consecutive offseasons. Internal candidates for the defensive coordinator role include safeties coach Danny Collins, cornerbacks coach Nick Monroe, and defensive line coach Winston DeLattiboudere III.
At Miami, Hetherman replaces Lance Guidry, who was dismissed after a disappointing finish to the Hurricanes’ season. Miami ended the year with a 10-3 record but struggled defensively, ranking 68th in scoring defense (25.3 points allowed per game).
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