When UM offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch bolted for the pros, taking the same position with the Jacksonville Jaguars, it seemed like Miami's high-flying offense would take a step back in 2013. Those fears could be assuaged with news that the Canes have poached the OC from Florida State, who had the 10th best scoring offense in FBS last season.
The Miami Herald reported Thursday that Coley informed FSU that he will join Al Golden's staff at Miami. Coley will reportedly earn $500,000 per year and call plays on the offensive side. FSU was willing to match UM's salary offer, but head coach Jimbo Fisher would continue calling plays.
Coley had worked at FSU since 2008, working as a tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator before becoming offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the past three seasons. He was FIU's offensive coordinator in 2007, and has also worked for the Miami Dolphins, LSU, Miami Norland High School, and Miami High School.
Under Coley's guidance, FSU gained 471.5 yards per game in 2012, scoring 39.3 points per game. Florida State was equally deadly on the ground and through the air, averaging yards 206 rushing and 265 yards passing per game.
Making Coley's hire all the more significant is his ability to land top-notch recruits. In 2010, ESPN.com named Coley the top recruiter in the ACC. With national signing day less than two weeks away, it is entirely possible that the Canes could convince one or two FSU commitments to come to Miami instead.
According to the Herald, Coley has taken the lead for FSU in recruiting two Miami Booker T. Washington High All-Americans, LB Matthew Thomas and OL Denver Kirkland.
Under Fisch in 2012, the Canes averaged 440 yards per game on offense, scoring 31 points a game. In 2010, the year before Fisch joined the Miami staff, the Canes averaged 421 yards per game and scored 26 points per game.
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Coley is a Miami native, and attended Miami High and Florida State. The University of Kentucky offered an offensive coordinator job in December, but Coley declined.
