Who is Corry Hetherman? Miami's new defensive coordinator for 2025 season

In another major move by the Miami Hurricanes, the program announced the hiring of Corey Hetherman as its new defensive coordinator on Sunday. Hetherman, who was with Minnesota before, will join coach Mario Cristobal's staff following a pending background check. Per reports, the Canes must pay the Golden Gophers $600,000 for Hetherman.

The news comes on the heels of the program recruiting Carson Beck out of the transfer portal. Beck is a top-tier quarterback who started for the Georgia Bulldogs last season. As such, the Canes are making solid additions to the squad after missing out on making the 12-team College Football Playoff this season.

Hetherman replaces defensive coordinator Lance Guidry, who was fired in December. Miami's defensive woes were one of the key reasons why it couldn't make the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game.

Who is Corey Hetherman? Coaching history, playing career and more

Born in Oxford, Massachusetts, Corey Hetherman played quarterback at Fitchburg State from 2003 to 2005 before transitioning into coaching. As a starter, Corey Hetherman compiled a 21-11 record, guiding his team to two MASCAC titles, two appearances in the NEFC championship game and two berths in ECAC bowl games.

He began his coaching career in 2006 at Fitchburg State as a quarterbacks coach and subsequently served as an offensive coordinator for the Carinthian Black Lions and Wuerzburg Panthers.

Over the years, Hetherman has taken on various coaching roles, including positions at Old Dominion (2011–2013), Maine (2015–2018), James Madison (2019–2021), Rutgers (2022–2023) and Minnesota (2024), where he primarily looked after defensive units.

In 2021, Hetherman was recognized as the AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year for his role as the defensive coordinator and defensive ends coach at James Madison.

In 2024, Hetherman was the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, who finished 8-5 and 5-4 in Big Ten play. The team even registered a win in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against Virginia Tech.

Hetherman's defensive unit at Minnesota allowed just 16.9 points per game (ninth nationally) and was fifth in total defense, giving up only 285.7 yards per game. They excelled in both rushing defense, ranking 12th with 109.6 yards allowed per game, and passing defense, tied for ninth with 176.1 yards allowed per game.

Moreover, the Gophers recorded 22 interceptions, the seventh-highest in the country, and boasted a turnover margin of plus-9, tied for 17th nationally.

On the personal side, Corey Hetherman is married to his wife, Julie, and the couple has a young daughter.