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Miami Hurricanes making key hires in the Offseason
Miami Hurricanes Reload Coaching Staff for the 2026 Season
Following a breakthrough 2025 season that propelled the program back into national relevance, the Miami Hurricanes football program has begun reshaping its coaching staff heading into 2026. Under head coach Mario Cristobal, the Hurricanes have experienced both departures and new hires as success on the field has attracted interest in Miami assistants from other programs and the NFL. The latest moves reflect Cristobal’s effort to maintain momentum while continuing to strengthen the infrastructure of the program.
Staff Turnover After a Breakout Season
Miami’s deep postseason run in 2025 elevated the profile of several assistant coaches, resulting in a wave of staff movement. One of the most notable departures came when tight ends coach Cody Woodiel left Coral Gables to join Ole Miss Rebels football as a co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach.
Additionally, other position coaches received opportunities at higher levels of football. Running backs coach Matt Merritt and cornerbacks coach Zac Etheridge were among assistants who moved on to roles in the NFL, reflecting the growing reputation of Cristobal’s staff development pipeline.
While turnover can disrupt continuity, it is also viewed as a sign of success for the program. Programs that reach the College Football Playoff frequently see their assistants recruited elsewhere, and Miami’s rise has placed the Hurricanes in that category.
Mike Viti Joins the Hurricanes
To replace Woodiel, Miami has hired Mike Viti as the program’s new tight ends coach. Viti comes from Army Black Knights football, where he served as associate head coach and offensive line coach.
Viti spent nearly a decade on the Army staff and was widely respected for his work developing one of the nation’s most physical offensive lines. At Miami, he will transition from coaching offensive linemen to leading the tight ends room—an increasingly important position in Cristobal’s offensive philosophy.
The hire brings a coach known for discipline, physicality, and run-game expertise—qualities that align closely with Cristobal’s identity as a former offensive lineman and trench-focused head coach.
Core Leadership Remains Intact
Despite the staff turnover, the core of the Hurricanes’ coaching structure remains unchanged. Key leaders on Cristobal’s staff include:
Shannon Dawson – Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks Coach
Corey Hetherman – Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers Coach
Alex Mirabal – Assistant Head Coach / Offensive Line Coach
These coaches have played a major role in Miami’s resurgence and remain central to the program’s strategic direction.
Cristobal’s ability to maintain continuity among his coordinators while replenishing position coaches has helped stabilize the program during a period of rapid growth.
Looking Ahead
As the Hurricanes prepare for the 2026 season, the coaching adjustments represent a natural evolution of a program returning to national prominence. Cristobal’s recruiting momentum and staff development have positioned Miami as one of the most attractive destinations in college football for rising coaches.
With new hires like Viti joining an already experienced leadership group, the Hurricanes aim to build on their recent success and continue pushing toward a national championship.
Written by: Giancarlo Morera
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