Corey Hetherman leaves Gophers for DC job at Miami (Florida)
Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Kerry Brown (14) celebrates with teammates after getting an interception during the college football game between the Nevada Wolf Pack and the Minnesota Golden Gophers on September 14, 2024, at Huntington Bank ((Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images))
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - When the University of Minnesota football team opens the 2025 season against Buffalo at Huntington Bank Stadium, it will have a new defensive coordinator.
Corey Hetherman had just signed an extension to stay with the Gophers for two more seasons. But he’s leaving P.J. Fleck to be the defensive coordinator at Miami (Florida).
Why Gophers fans should care
Why it matters: Strictly from a statistics standpoint, Hetherman led the Gophers to being one of the top defenses in the country last season. They were No. 6 in total defense (233 yards per game) and No. 4 in scoring defense (10 points per game).
They were 14th in rushing defense, 16th in passing yards allowed and Koi Perich led the Big Ten with five interceptions.
The math
What we know: The timing is interesting, as Hetherman had just signed a contract to stay at Minnesota. It was reportedly worth $2.4 million, and Miami paid $600,000 to buy it out and make the hire.
Who replaces Hetherman?
What we know: Safeties coach Danny Collins is in line to take over defensive play calling duties. Hetherman spent one season at Minnesota after replacing Joe Rossi, who left for Michigan State. Collins has been with the Gophers for eight seasons, and just finished his third as safeties coach, second as the defensive pass game coordinator.
The Gophers finished the 2024 season 8-5 after a 24-10 win over Virginia Tech in the Duke's Mayo Bowl.