CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami football program has been under fire during the start to this season.
The Canes are off to a 2-3 start and ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit ripped the program.
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On College Gameday, Herbstreit said that Miami’s program lacks alignment between the coaches, athletic department, and University.
Following his remarks, Canes head Coach Manny Diaz responded by pointing out how well the University worked with the football team to put on the 2020 season, despite the Covid-19 situation.
University President Julio Frenk also released a statement saying that he would work closely with the athletic program to make sure they could succeed.
On Thursday, Canes Athletic Director Blake James responded in an interview with the ACC Network.
James said, “It wasn’t well-received because it’s inaccurate. It’s something where if you look at what our program has done and the investments we’ve made under Dr. Frenk in football and athletics overall, it’s been significant.”
James added, “Do we need to kind of do things at a higher level? Without a doubt, that’s college sports. The bar is always being raised. But that’s what was most frustrating for all of us here who understand where things are at. The statement was just inaccurate and was something that caught us by surprise. It’s frustrating to have something like that out there.”
James said, “We have great alignment. Do we need to win more football games? There’s no doubt about it. That’s something Manny knows well. I know it. Dr, Frenk knows it. Obviously, that’s what our fans expect. And those are expectations that we’re focused on meeting.”
James pointed out that there seven games left in the regular season.
The Canes are on a bye week.
They play at North Carolina on Oct. 16.