Exit Barrow, Enter Beard; Miami Staff Changes

Micheal Barrow is stepping down, Kevin Beard is getting on board and the Miami Hurricanes are dealing with some unexpected coaching changes a week before fall practice gets underway and one month prior to the season-opener at Louisville.

Coaching rumors started popping up online Thursday night, first by the folks at CaneInsider.com and by morning, the official announcement was made.

Barrow, who is stepping down over a family-related matter, released the following statement Friday morning: “As a proud University of Miami graduate, former football player and coach, it is with a heavy heart that I announce I’m taking a sabbatical from coaching this season,” Barrow said. “This was an extremely tough decision to leave my dream job. However, I have a very important family obligation that requires my full attention, and I would not have had enough time to effectively fulfill my coaching duties.

“With the 2014 football season starting soon, please know that I am truly sorry if my decision brings the organization any inconveniences. I would like to thank President Shalala, Blake James, Al Golden, the coaching staff, UM football players and the entire UM family for seven great years. During this time, my professional career has grown and afforded me wonderful opportunities on and off the field. I have enjoyed working alongside some excellent colleagues and privilege to coach some great kids. I will never forget my tenure at the U and I’m looking forward to watching them this year.”

The departure of Barrow is causing a minor domino effect on the Miami staff. Hurlie Brown, a former Hurricanes safety, coached defense at Louisiana-Lafayette from 2007 through 2011 and was senior football operations coordinator for “The U” the next two years.

Last season, Brown coached up running backs for the Canes. Now, in the wake of Barrow’s departure, the former defender takes over linebackers and moves to the side of the ball he seemingly prefers.

Tim “Ice” Harris, on Miami’s staff in a football operations role since spring, will take over Brown’s vacant spot coaching up running backs. Harris formerly coached boatloads of college-bound talent, while winning titles at Booker T. Washington and should be a good fit for the position.

As for Beard, the former wide receiver standout will take Harris’ football operation-related gig.

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