Houston’s Shannon Dawson To Be Miami Hurricanes Offensive Coordinator

Miami Finds Their Guy, But Was It What We Expected?

A little under a month after Josh Gattis was fired as offensive coordinator, the search has finally come to an end in Coral Gables. Ross Delllenger of Sports Illustrated first reported Tuesday that the University of Houston's Shannon Dawson is expected to finalize his deal to join the staff as the team's new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

All Hurricanes confirmed those plans soon after. 

Miami is expected to hire Houston’s Shannon Dawson as offensive coordinator and QBs coach, sources tell @SINow.

Dawson, a longtime Dana Holgorsen assistant, has tutored some of the nation’s most prolific passers & called plays at UH.

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) February 14, 2023

While Miami likely started the search prior to the release of Gattis, the rumors finally come to an end as to who will be coaching this Hurricanes offense.

Regarding Dawson, he brings his air raid philosophy to Coral Gables, a complete philosophy change from Mario Cristobal. Number's wise, Houston's offense was 17th in points per game in 2022 (36.1), averaged 314 passing yards per game and 141.8 rushing yards per game. 

Dawson was also able to help senior quarterback Clayton Tune accumulate 45 total touchdowns on the season and over 4,600 yards of total offense.

Dawson's offensive scheme will be a complete turn around from Gattis' scheme last season, as the air raid will look to get more receivers out on the field and spread out the offense. Miami struggled at times especially in condensed formations, so this new scheme change will emphasize more of a spread look. 

Despite Miami making a splash recruiting two top running back prospects, both Mark Fletcher and Chris Johnson will be put in situations to display their pass catching abilities.

With the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach roles filled, Miami will likely word with Dawson in order to decide on the team's next wide receiver coach.

With Miami going into an air raid scheme, it shows Coach Cristobal is looking to adapt for the program. After quarterback Tyler Van Dyke struggled last season with Gattis' scheme and injuries, the air raid should allow Van Dyke to put his passing prowess on display.

For now, Miami fans can get excited to see vastly different and big play offense that should be a significant improvement from that of last season. As spring ball looms ahead, we will begin to see just how different this offense will look.

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