Changes
The 2006 season saw Miami finish with a 7–6 record, their worst since 1997's 5–6 campaign. Former head coach Larry Coker was fired, after continuous regression following a national championship his first season in 2001. Following a brief coaching search, UM decided on Randy Shannon, previously the team's defensive coordinator.
Since his hiring, Shannon has made several reforms. He has banned firearms, declaring any player carrying one will be dismissed from the team and the school. He also banned the use of cell phones during class, and anyone caught with them will lose them for two weeks. Further, he requires players maintain a 2.5 grade point average in order to live off campus, and any player who skips class faces extra conditioning as well as demotion on the depth chart. On July 24, Shannon announced to the press that the Hurricanes were stripping the names on the back of their jerseys for the 2007 season, which is highly unusual in Division I football. The Miami Herald then somewhat labeled Miami a "no name offense and defense," but the label has become more applicable as Miami progressed through an unimpressive 2007 season.
Shannon has also cleaned house with his coaching staff, with six new assistants in the program, headlined by offensive coordinator Patrick Nix, who held the same position in 2006 with Georgia Tech.
During meetings with the ACC media, Shannon boldly stated he believes Miami can bounce back and win the ACC, saying "I don't expect anything less."
Read more about this topic: 2007 Miami Hurricanes Football Team