The Miami Hurricane -- December 2, 2010

Page 1

MHMC- Commercial Template Doc Size 11.25” X 14”

Image Area 10.375 x 11.75 CYAN

MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

1

The Miami

Vol. 88, Issue 51 | Dec. 2 - Dec. 14, 2010

HURRICANE STUDENT ST S TU UD DE EN NTT NE N N NEWSPAPER EW WS SP PA AP PE E R OF O F TTHE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI IN CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, SINCE 1929

The start of a new era Shannon fired, Hocutt seeks replacement BY JUSTIN ANTWEIL | SPORTS EDITOR

he Hurricanes need a big splash and a leader who will dramatically change the complexion of the UM football program. The theme of Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt’s press conference on Sunday was that the Hurricanes need “to be nationally relevant.” Hocutt is confident that the identity of the football program can change rapidly. “There are brighter days ahead and the U will be back where it belongs at the pinnacle of the college football world,” Hocutt said. Randy Shannon shined as a terrific linebacker, a great defensive coordinator and an outstanding recruiter, but after four years as head coach, Hocutt felt a new leader was needed. “[The USF] outcome did not determine this decision,” Hocutt said. “It was not made on 60 minutes. It was made with the total body of work in mind.” Shannon’s well-known relaxed demeanor proved ineffective at maximizing the talent of his players. His 16-16 record in the Atlantic Coast Conference accurately reflected his mediocre performance. With the hiring of a new football coach, Hocutt and UM President Donna E. Shalala know they need an eye popper, a wow-factor, someone who exudes confidence, exhibits passion and oozes swagger. Quarterback is the most important position in football and right now Miami does not have a definitive starter. Miami has two quality quarterbacks in freshman Stephen Morris and junior Jacory Harris. “It’s going to be competition,” interim head coach Jeff Stoutland said. “I think that we have two really good quarterbacks and I think that they are very bright and I think they know this offense.” The next coach must be able to handle this dilemma. Filling the seats at Sun Life Stadium is a must. Miami had just over 25,000 fans at the USF game last Saturday and despite it being Thanksgiving weekend, that was not an acceptable turnout for Hocutt. “Was I pleased with the crowd at the game? No. These young men deserve better than that and we are going to move forward,” he said.

T

SEE COACH SEARCH, PAGE 22

COMMENCMENT OR BUST LINDSAY BROWN // Photo Editor

ONE LAST LOOK: Recently fired football coach Randy Shannon stands on the sidelines of the Hurricane game against North Carolina Oct. 23.

MORE PEOPLE ARE GRADUAT ING FROM UM THAN EVER BEFORE PAGE 3

DON’T BE A GRINCH THIS YEAR GET A HEAD START ON YOUR SHOPPING WITH OUR GIFT GUIDE PAGE 13


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.