Miami Hurricanes’ Defensive Coordinator Search Faces Setback as Tim Banks Rejects Offer
In a season where Miami Hurricanes football was hoping for a breakthrough, recent developments have added to the uncertainty surrounding the program’s future, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Miami’s search for a new defensive coordinator (DC) took a significant hit when Tim Banks, the defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Volunteers, reportedly turned down an offer to take the same position with the Hurricanes.
This move comes on the heels of Miami’s decision to part ways with Lance Guidry after just two seasons on New Year’s Eve. Guidry, who was hired in 2022 as part of Mario Cristobal’s revamped coaching staff, had a rocky tenure, with Miami’s defense failing to live up to expectations despite the high profile of Cristobal’s hire. With the Hurricanes’ defense having struggled in 2024, particularly in preventing big plays, the decision to move on from Guidry was not surprising. However, the next step for Cristobal and Miami is not proving to be as easy as they might have hoped.
The Tim Banks Situation
According to a report from On3’s Pete Nakos, Tim Banks, who had helped elevate Tennessee’s defense to one of the top units in the country, was offered the DC position at Miami. However, Banks chose to remain with the Volunteers, which is a major blow to Miami’s coaching search. Banks’ Tennessee defense was ranked eighth nationally in 2024, allowing just 16.1 points per game, a substantial improvement over Miami’s defensive numbers.
The decision to stay at Tennessee is not entirely surprising, given that the Volunteers had one of the most improved defenses in college football this season, ranking seventh in total defense, allowing just 293.2 yards per game. Tennessee’s ability to limit both the run and the pass — giving up only 103.9 rushing yards per game and 189.3 passing yards per contest — would make Banks an attractive candidate for a program like Miami, who has been struggling defensively.
For Miami, though, the news of Banks turning down the position feels like another misstep in a program that has been on a downward trajectory in recent years. While Tennessee’s defensive success can certainly be credited to Banks, it’s also clear that he likely has aspirations of maintaining that success in Knoxville, rather than taking on the challenges that come with leading Miami’s defense.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Miami’s Defensive Struggles
Miami’s defense has been far from elite in recent years, and the 2024 season highlighted several weaknesses that Banks could have helped address. The Hurricanes finished 68th nationally in points allowed per game in 2024, giving up 25.3 points per game. This was a notable step backward for a program that had lofty expectations under Cristobal’s leadership, particularly given the attention the defense received during recruiting.
When compared to Tennessee’s numbers, Miami’s defense clearly underperformed. The Volunteers’ ability to limit both the ground game and passing attack helped them achieve those impressive national rankings, while Miami’s struggles to stop big plays were particularly evident. The Hurricanes’ defense allowed 43 completions of 20 or more yards in 2024, a number that demonstrates a significant lack of discipline in coverage and an inability to stifle explosive plays. Miami’s rush defense also was far from dominant, giving up 112.7 rushing yards per game — far worse than Tennessee’s efforts.
Despite having some individual stars, Miami’s defense was plagued by inconsistency, which is likely what led to the decision to part ways with Lance Guidry. Under Guidry, Miami seemed unable to consistently execute defensively, particularly in key moments, which cost them games. Given that the Hurricanes will have to face some of the best offenses in the nation within the ACC and beyond, having a competent and disciplined defense is non-negotiable if the program hopes to return to national prominence.
Mario Cristobal’s Methodical Approach
As with many of his decisions since arriving in Coral Gables, Mario Cristobal has been methodical and secretive about his approach to hiring a new defensive coordinator. This has been a hallmark of his tenure at Miami, and it reflects his larger strategy of building the program from the ground up. When Cristobal hired Lance Guidry and offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson in 2023, he waited until February to make the announcements, which added to the intrigue surrounding the hires. Cristobal’s preference for waiting and keeping his cards close to his chest signals that fans shouldn’t expect a rushed decision.
In some ways, this approach is a positive for the Hurricanes. Cristobal is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his desire to hire the right person for the job, rather than simply filling a position quickly. However, in the fast-paced world of college football, where competition for top coaches is fierce, this delay can also have its drawbacks. Miami may risk losing out on other coaching candidates who are eager to sign sooner, which is precisely what happened with Banks.
That said, Cristobal’s approach could also pay dividends if the Hurricanes land the right defensive mind. The opportunity to build a solid defensive foundation and make Miami a formidable team in the ACC requires not just talent, but also the right leadership. Cristobal’s patience may very well lead to a more qualified candidate who will help restore the defensive dominance Miami is known for.
The Future of Miami’s Defense
So, where does Miami go from here? While the Banks decision is certainly a setback, it is by no means the end of the road for Miami’s coaching search. Cristobal and his staff have several top-tier options still on the table, and the program can look at other proven defensive minds who might be willing to take on the challenge of rebuilding the Hurricanes’ defense.
The fact that Miami is a program located in a football-rich state, with ample recruiting talent nearby, should make it an attractive destination for defensive coaches looking to make their mark. Additionally, the Hurricanes have an established fanbase and financial backing, which gives them a competitive edge in the coaching carousel. Miami will need to make a strong push for a coach who not only understands how to develop players but who can also implement a defensive scheme that minimizes big plays, improves consistency, and is capable of matching up against high-powered offenses within the ACC.
Conclusion
As it stands, Miami Hurricanes football is facing a bit of turbulence, but this is not unfamiliar territory for the program. Mario Cristobal has proven that he is a patient and calculated leader, and while the rejection from Tim Banks stings, it doesn’t mean the end of Miami’s hopes for a turnaround. The Hurricanes’ defense is an area of concern that requires urgent attention, and the right hire can quickly turn things around.
With the transfer portal still open and many coaching opportunities on the horizon, Miami’s defensive coordinator search is far from over. For now, fans will have to wait and see who Cristobal ultimately selects as the next defensive leader, but one thing is clear: the future of Miami football will depend heavily on fixing a defense that has not lived up to the high standards expected of a program with such rich history and potential.
