For the second consecutive season, Miami has a brand new offensive system. However, this time, it’s much, much different.
The additions of offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee, standout transfer quarterback D’Eriq King, and coordinator/position coach Rob Likens preach a clear motive: high-energy, speed, and aggressiveness.
Rhett Lashlee says he will build what UM does offensively around what D'Eriq King does best, like zone read and such.
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) February 5, 2020
Being up-tempo is something he wanted to implement regardless of QB.
“Over his 28-year coaching career Likens has been an offensive coordinator at four schools,” the University of Miami stated on Friday, shortly after the initial announcement of Likens’ hiring. “...including the past two seasons at Arizona State, where he was also the quarterbacks coach.”
"Extensive experience with fast-paced, high-octane offenses."
— Canes Football (@CanesFootball) February 7, 2020
Welcome to The U, @CoachRobLikens!
: https://t.co/Ag3svT6YNj pic.twitter.com/xEeWoC7urV
Similar to Rhett Lashlee, Likens has on-field success and valuable experience. Although Arizona State’s offense in 2019 was far-from-impressive, ranking just 4-spots ahead of Miami at 94th in the nation, his philosophy seems to be a perfect fit for the new Hurricanes offense. Likens was also a wide receivers coach at Cal for the 2013 and 2014 seasons—another Pac-12 school, famous for airing-out the ball and spreading the field.
“In 2014, Likens’ passing game… ranked sixth in the NCAA in passing yards per game (346) and broke the school’s single-season passing yardage record with 4,152 yards,” the University of Miami included. “Additionally, three of Cal’s top four receivers were Biletnikoff Award candidates…”
With the coaching staff for 2020 filled, Miami’s reset on offense is complete. What the ‘Canes have now is better—proven by more recent on-field success. Lashlee, Likens, and Co. are going to give fans something they haven’t seen from a previous Miami team—there’s good reason to be excited again.