Internal promotions take center stage as Terry Jefferson and Will Harris step into elevated roles, anchoring a revamped secondary poised to lead the Miami Hurricanes back to title contention.
Miami, FL. – The Miami Hurricanes have a clear goal set ahead of the upcoming season: return to the National Championship game. Despite falling short of the ultimate prize against the Indiana Hoosiers, the program successfully revamped the roster, which looks to take things a step further.
A new-looking team added a few new voices to the coaching staff throughout the offseason: tight ends coach Mike Viti and running backs coach Favian Upshaw. After a couple of additions, familiar faces will step into elevated roles.
It was first reported by CBS Sports that Terry Jefferson will be the Hurricanes' new cornerbacks coach. He served as an assistant defensive backs/nickel coach last season. Jefferson will fill the Zac Etheridge void after accepting a job with the Arizona Cardinals.
The former FAMU Rattlers All-American defensive back previously worked for the Hurricanes from 2020 to 2022, then accepted a job with the Jacksonville State Gamecocks. He spent two seasons with the Conference USA program before returning to Coral Gables.
Jefferson would work directly with cornerback Keionte Scott this past season, who proved to be a significant factor in the Hurricanes’ secondary. The 24-year-old recorded career-highs across the board: 64 total tackles, 42 solos and 22 assists, 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, seven passes defended, five passes broken up, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions, both resulting in pick-sixes, appearing in 14 games, including 12 starts.
Scott went from being an undrafted prospect to a fourth-round selection by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after one season with Jefferson and the Hurricanes. He will look to deliver a similar impact for cornerbacks who are eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft, such as Romanas “OJ” Frederique Jr., Xavier Lucas, Damari Brown, and Ethan O’Connor.
Jefferson has already been working closely with the position players through spring practices.
As the cornerback coach job was filled, it was reported shortly after that the Hurricanes were promoting Will Harris to secondary coach/defensive pass game coordinator. He primarily worked with the safeties last season, including Jakobe Thomas, who was a third-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. Harris will continue to develop Bryce Fitzgerald, Zechariah Poyser, and Dylan Day Jr., along with a couple of new additions, such as Boston College Eagles transfer Omar Thornton and freshman JJ Dunnigan Jr.
The Hurricanes officially have a full coaching staff ahead of fall camp and the new college football season.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our RoundTable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
More Miami Hurricanes News: