Report: Gophers DC Corey Hetherman expected to take same job at Miami

Despite signing a contract extension with Minnesota in December, Gophers defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman is expected to take the same role at Miami, according to a report from 247Sports' Matt Zenitz on Saturday.

According to Zenitz, Hetherman was a "leading figure" in Miami’s search and the deal crossed the finish line within an hour.

Minnesota’s Corey Hetherman has emerged as a leading figure in Miami’s search for a new defensive coordinator, sources tell @CBSSports/@247Sports.

Under Hetherman, Minnesota ranked fifth nationally in total defense this season. He was previously the FCS assistant coach of the… pic.twitter.com/zE9N82JlAw
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 11, 2025

Hetherman received a significant raise and contract extension from the Gophers in December, but a program like Miami has simply more money to offer.

In his first season as a Big Ten defensive coordinator, Hetherman led Minnesota's defense to becoming a top-20 unit in 2024. In the regular season, the Gophers allowed 290.9 total yards per game, which ranked eighth; 178.3 passing yards per game, which ranked 15th; and 112.6 rushing yards per game, which ranked 23rd.

Hetherman was heavily connected to Rutgers' open defensive coordinator position earlier this offseason before Minnesota extended his contract. Miami has some of the deepest pockets of any program and college football, and the Gophers simply are not able to compete with them financially.

Last offseason, longtime defensive coordinator Joe Rossi left for the same role at Michigan State due to a significant pay raise and the year before that offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca left for Rutgers in a similar situation. Hetherman looked like a home-run hire for the Gophers after one year, so losing him this late in the coaching carousel would be a crushing blow to Minnesota's coaching staff. Losing Hetherman late also limits the hiring prospect pool. According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, that means Minnesota will be looking to promote from within to replace Hetherman as defensive coordinator.

Sources: Minnesota plans to promote internally to replace Corey Hetherman at defensive coordinator. There’s no plans to open up the search and bring in someone from the outside. Minnesota finished this season with the country’s No. 9 scoring defense.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 11, 2025

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