December 29, 2008

OC Nix Fired, QB Marve Out at Miami

Although overshadowed by all the NFL firings today, a few colleges decided to cut ties with some coaches, most notably Miami offensive coordinator Patrick Nix, who was given the hook today by HC Randy Shannon. Shannon released a written statement, which didn't immediately address the specifics for the change.

"It is my obligation to review all aspects of the program and make decisions as to how we can improve as a football team," Shannon said.

Shannon had hired Nix when Shannon ascended to the top at Miami two years ago. Nix had been with GA Tech, one of Miami's opponents, for the last five years, including the last three as OC. Miami's offense was ranked 89th this year in the FBS in total offense, with 326 ypg, and ranked 52nd in scoring, with 27.1 ppg.

"I fully realized the expectations when I came here, in the end, Coach Shannon and I just have a difference on how to run an offense," Nix said.

Yea, perhaps Shannon noticed that fact when the Canes' offense performed that painful two-minute drill in the waning minutes of Saturday night's Emerald bowl loss to California, 24-17--a comeback perfectly within the realm of being possible by most teams...

Perhaps Shannon is looking to deflect some criticism off himself, coming off last year's 5-7 effort, and this year's lackluster 7-6 season, which ended with three straight losses, including a Thursday night thumping by Georgia Tech. Prior to that game, the Canes had ridden a 5-game midseason winning streak and had a good shot at the ACC title game.

Maybe there's room at the inn for Nix now down in Auburn in some capacity, as new HC Gene Chizik has approached Auburn alumnus coaches Rodney Garner and Stacy Searels, both currently at Georgia, and retained LB coach James Willis from Tommy Tuberville's staff.

UPDATE

In a move that surprised absolutely no one, Miami QB Robert Marve has been granted his release from the Hurricanes. Marve will have two years of eligibility remaining if he moves to another FBS school.

Under the conditions of his release, Marve will not be able to transfer to an ACC or SEC school, and he is forbidden to transfer to any school within the state of Florida.

"I had to get out," Marve told the AP from his family's home in Tampa. "I just decided that I can't play for coach Shannon."

...

Marve said he will try to fight to soften the terms of the release. He is appealing Miami's decision, and a university review panel is expected to hear his side in the coming days. Marve wants to enroll somewhere new in January.

Marve served two suspensions while at UM, once for vandalism and, most recently, for missing classes in advance of the Emerald Bowl.

Comments:

OC Nix Fired, QB Marve Out at Miami
Although overshadowed by all the NFL firings today, a few colleges decided to cut ties with some coaches, most notably Miami offensive coordinator Patrick Nix, who was given the hook today by HC Randy Shannon. Shannon released a written statement, which didn't immediately address the specifics for the change. "It is my obligation to review all aspects of the program and make decisions as to how we can improve as a football team," Shannon said. Shannon had hired Nix when Shannon ascended to the top at Miami two years ago. Nix had been with GA Tech, one of Miami's opponents, for the last five years, including the last three as OC. Miami's offense was ranked 89th this year in the FBS in total offense, with 326 ypg, and ranked 52nd in scoring, with 27.1 ppg. "I fully realized the expectations when I came here, in the end, Coach Shannon and I just have a difference on how to run an offense," Nix said. Yea, perhaps Shannon noticed that fact when the Canes' offense performed that painful two-minute drill in the waning minutes of Saturday night's Emerald bowl loss to California, 24-17--a comeback perfectly within the realm of being possible by most teams... Perhaps Shannon is looking to deflect some criticism off himself, coming off last year's 5-7 effort, and this year's lackluster 7-6 season, which ended with three straight losses, including a Thursday night thumping by Georgia Tech. Prior to that game, the Canes had ridden a 5-game midseason winning streak and had a good shot at the ACC title game. Maybe there's room at the inn for Nix now down in Auburn in some capacity, as new HC Gene Chizik has approached Auburn alumnus coaches Rodney Garner and Stacy Searels, both currently at Georgia, and retained LB coach James Willis from Tommy Tuberville's staff.
UPDATE
In a move that surprised absolutely no one, Miami QB Robert Marve has been granted his release from the Hurricanes. Marve will have two years of eligibility remaining if he moves to another FBS school. Under the conditions of his release, Marve will not be able to transfer to an ACC or SEC school, and he is forbidden to transfer to any school within the state of Florida.
"I had to get out," Marve told the AP from his family's home in Tampa. "I just decided that I can't play for coach Shannon." ... Marve said he will try to fight to soften the terms of the release. He is appealing Miami's decision, and a university review panel is expected to hear his side in the coming days. Marve wants to enroll somewhere new in January.
Marve served two suspensions while at UM, once for vandalism and, most recently, for missing classes in advance of the Emerald Bowl.