
The University of Miami has dismissed defensive coordinator Lance Guidry following a series of defensive struggles that culminated in a narrow 42-41 loss to Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on December 28, 2024.
Head coach Mario Cristobal announced the decision, stating, “In a continuous effort to always improve all aspects of our program, I have decided to make a change on defense. We will move forward and make decisions that provide our players, staff, and program the best opportunity to win and develop at the highest level.”
Guidry, 53, joined the Hurricanes as defensive coordinator in 2023, bringing experience from previous roles at Marshall, Southeastern Louisiana, McNeese State, and Western Kentucky.
During the 2024 season, Miami’s defense allowed an average of 25.3 points per game, ranking 70th out of 134 FBS programs.
The Hurricanes began the season with a promising 9-0 record but faltered in the latter part, losing three of their final four games.
The defensive unit’s performance was notably poor in key matchups, including a 28-23 loss to Georgia Tech on November 9 and a 42-38 defeat at Syracuse on November 30.
In the Pop-Tarts Bowl, Miami held a six-point lead with just over six minutes remaining.
However, the defense allowed a 16-play, 84-yard drive by Iowa State, resulting in a touchdown that sealed the Hurricanes’ loss.
This late-game collapse underscored the season-long issues within the defensive squad.
Throughout the season, Miami’s defense struggled to contain opponents, allowing at least 30 points in six games.
The unit was particularly vulnerable to explosive plays, ranking 96th nationally in allowing 20-yard plays and 106th in 50-yard plays.
These deficiencies were exacerbated against Power Four schools, with rankings dropping to 118th and 124th, respectively.
Additionally, the defense forced only 18 turnovers throughout the year, placing further pressure on the offense to compensate for defensive lapses.
The inability to secure crucial stops in pivotal moments was a recurring theme.
In the loss to Georgia Tech, the Hurricanes allowed 271 rushing yards and permitted the Yellow Jackets to convert 9 of 14 third-down attempts, leading to a significant disadvantage in time of possession.
Similarly, against Syracuse, Miami squandered an early 21-0 lead, being outscored 35-7 in the subsequent quarters.
In that game, the defense failed to regain possession in the final minutes, allowing Syracuse to run out the clock and eliminate Miami’s hopes of a College Football Playoff berth.
Critics have pointed to a lack of development among younger players and regression among veterans as factors contributing to the defensive woes.
The departure of key players from the previous season, such as Kamren Kinchens, Leonard Taylor, and James Williams, left a void that was not adequately filled.
This situation has also impacted recruiting efforts, with prospects expressing concerns about the coaching staff’s ability to develop talent.
For instance, Florida safety and former Miami commit Hylton Stubbs cited coaching issues as a reason for his decision to decommit, stating, “It was looking like it was a player thing and a coaching thing, and that’s most likely a coaching thing.”
As the Hurricanes move forward, the search for a new defensive coordinator will be critical in addressing these challenges.
The program aims to restore its defensive prowess and complement an explosive offense led by standout quarterback Cam Ward.
The upcoming appointment will play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s prospects for the 2025 season and beyond.
In the meantime, the Hurricanes are focused on recruiting and development efforts to bolster the defensive roster, ensuring that the issues that plagued the 2024 season are effectively addressed.
The program’s commitment to improvement reflects a determination to compete at the highest levels of college football and to reestablish Miami’s reputation as a defensive powerhouse.
The decision to part ways with Guidry underscores the university’s dedication to making the necessary changes to achieve these goals.
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Miami’s next moves in rebuilding its defensive strategy and coaching staff.
The forthcoming decisions will be instrumental in determining the trajectory of the Hurricanes’ football program in the coming years.