Due to Derek Nicholson’s departure to Missouri, Miami is searching for a new linebackers coach.
The Miami Hurricanes football program is once again in the midst of a transition, this time in the coaching ranks. The departure of Derek Nicholson, who had served as the team’s linebackers coach for the past several seasons, has left a significant void in the coaching staff. With Nicholson heading to Missouri to take on a similar role, the Hurricanes are now tasked with finding a new linebackers coach who can maintain the tradition of excellence at that position.
This article delves into the implications of Nicholson’s departure, the potential candidates Miami could consider to fill the role, and how the linebackers coach position fits into the broader context of Miami’s football program. Additionally, we will examine the broader coaching changes at Miami and how the team might handle this transition.
Derek Nicholson’s Impact on Miami’s Linebackers
Before examining Miami’s search for a new linebackers coach, it’s important to reflect on the impact Derek Nicholson had during his tenure with the Hurricanes. Hired as the linebackers coach in 2021, Nicholson inherited a position group with both talent and potential but also one that needed development and consistency.
Nicholson, a former Florida State linebacker, brought a wealth of experience both as a player and a coach. He played in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers, which gave him a unique perspective and an understanding of what it takes to develop talent at the highest levels. At Miami, Nicholson was credited with helping to improve the play of the linebacker corps, particularly in the areas of run defense and coverage. His teaching style was described as hands-on and demanding, which allowed players to grow while maintaining a strong sense of discipline.
Over his tenure, Nicholson worked with a variety of players, including some of the top prospects in college football. One of the key figures under Nicholson’s tutelage was Francis Mauigoa, a standout linebacker who earned All-ACC honors in his time under the coach’s guidance. Mauigoa’s development into one of the top linebackers in the conference was in large part due to Nicholson’s ability to get the most out of his players.
In addition to his work on the field, Nicholson was highly regarded for his ability to recruit. His knowledge of the position, combined with his reputation as a former NFL player, helped him develop strong relationships with high school recruits and their families. Miami’s linebacker recruiting saw an uptick during Nicholson’s time, as his background made him an attractive figure for talented players seeking to develop their skills at the collegiate level.
However, with Nicholson leaving for Missouri, Miami is now tasked with finding someone who can pick up where he left off, both in terms of player development and recruitment.
The Importance of the Linebackers Coach Position at Miami
To understand the magnitude of the search for a new linebackers coach, it’s important to recognize the critical role the position has played in Miami’s football history. The linebacker position at Miami has long been one of the most revered in all of college football. Throughout the program’s storied history, the Hurricanes have produced some of the best linebackers to ever play the game. From Ray Lewis and Darrin Smith to Jonathan Vilma and Sean Spence, Miami has been a pipeline for elite linebackers who have gone on to success in the NFL.
This rich tradition places a great deal of responsibility on the shoulders of whoever is tasked with coaching the linebackers. Miami’s defensive identity has long been defined by its aggressive, fast-paced defense, and the linebackers are often at the heart of that identity. They are expected to not only be strong tacklers and defenders against the run but also to drop into coverage, blitz the quarterback, and serve as the quarterbacks of the defense.
Given this background, the position is seen as crucial to Miami’s success moving forward. The new linebackers coach will have to uphold this tradition while also integrating his own coaching philosophy into the mix. The ability to develop future stars at the linebacker position will be vital to Miami’s ability to compete for championships in the highly competitive ACC and college football playoff picture.
Potential Candidates to Replace Derek Nicholson
As Miami embarks on its search for a new linebackers coach, there are several potential candidates to consider, both from within the program and outside. While the Hurricanes could look to promote from within, they may also cast a wider net to find a coach with the right mix of experience, recruiting ability, and knowledge of the linebacker position.
1. Charlie Strong – Former Texas Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator
One of the top candidates that could be considered is Charlie Strong, a highly respected defensive mind in college football. Strong, who served as the head coach at Texas and South Florida, has extensive experience coaching linebackers. He was a linebacker coach early in his career at places like Florida and Louisville, where he developed a reputation for coaching up elite players at the position.
Although Strong is best known for his work as a defensive coordinator and head coach, his expertise with linebackers is unquestioned. If Strong is interested in returning to a position coaching role, he could bring a wealth of knowledge and credibility to Miami’s linebacker room. His experience as a recruiter and his understanding of the ACC and national recruiting landscape would also make him an attractive option.
2. Mike Stoops – Former Arizona Defensive Coordinator
Another experienced coach that could be a viable candidate is Mike Stoops, who served as the defensive coordinator at Arizona for several years. Stoops has worked with linebackers throughout his coaching career and has been known for developing strong defensive units. While Stoops’ focus has been on coaching the defense as a whole, his work with linebackers at Arizona would make him a strong candidate to take over at Miami.
Stoops brings experience in recruiting and developing talent in a major conference, and he would likely be able to step into the role and help elevate Miami’s linebacker corps immediately.
3. Brian Jean-Mary – UCF Defensive Coordinator
Brian Jean-Mary is a name that has gained traction in recent years as one of the up-and-coming defensive minds in college football. Currently the defensive coordinator at UCF, Jean-Mary has made a name for himself by coaching linebackers who excel in both coverage and tackling. He is known for his ability to get the most out of his players, and his work at UCF has led to significant success in developing defensive talent.
Jean-Mary’s background as a linebackers coach and his experience coaching in the AAC and against Power 5 teams would make him an interesting candidate for the job at Miami. His success at UCF, coupled with his ability to develop and recruit talent, would be valuable assets for the Hurricanes.
4. Derek Dooley – Former Louisiana Tech Head Coach
While Derek Dooley may not be a name that immediately comes to mind for the linebackers coach role, his background in coaching defense at several programs makes him a possible candidate. Dooley, who has served as both a head coach and an assistant coach in the SEC and other conferences, has experience working with linebackers and understands the intricacies of coaching defense at a high level.
Although Dooley is most known for his time at Tennessee as head coach, his time as an assistant at various schools could make him a viable option for Miami as they look to rebuild their linebacker corps. His understanding of the game, his recruiting ability, and his experience coaching in high-pressure environments would be assets to the program.
The Importance of Continuity and Recruiting
As Miami looks for a new linebackers coach, one of the key elements will be continuity within the program. While a new coach will bring their own philosophy and style to the table, it’s essential that they are able to work seamlessly with the existing coaching staff and the players already in place. Steve Sarkisian, Miami’s head coach, will need to ensure that whoever is brought in is aligned with his vision for the program and can help develop the team both on and off the field.
In addition to continuity, recruiting will be an essential aspect of this decision. Miami has been recruiting at a high level in recent years, and the new linebackers coach will need to continue to bring in top talent. This includes not only finding players who fit the system but also building strong relationships with high school coaches, recruits, and their families. The ability to recruit at a high level will be critical to sustaining Miami’s position as a top-tier program in the ACC and beyond.
