Miami Hurricanes hire Kevin Smith as running backs coach

The Miami Hurricanes have a new running backs coach. Tuesday, it was announced that the program hired former Ole Miss running backs coach Kevin Smith for the position. This news was first reported by Five Reasons Sports.

Smith bring an extensive amount of experience. He Joined Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss for two seasons, making the jump from FAU. In 2020, Ole Miss averaged 210.6 rushing yards per game. The Rebels scored 19 touchdowns on the ground.

One of the things that I really like about this hire is that running backs under Smith have had recent success. Devin Singletary had 32 touchdowns in the 2017 season to go along with the 1,918 rushing yards. That 2017 season was fruitful for Florida Atlantic. Singletary ended up accumulating  185.3 yards per game.

Smith was a good running back in his own right, setting tons of records at UCF.

A smart hire for Miami Hurricanes

I like this get for a couple of reasons. For one, Smith has a recent track record of success both as a coach and as a player. For example, Devin Singletary was a successful player at the collegiate level. He is now with the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. In that respect, Smith fits the same type of blueprint as the other coaches on the staff. He has a proven track record of identifying, developing, and getting talent prepared for the next level.

Good morning Canes Fam!☀️

Kevin Smith will be the new RB coach for the Miami Hurricanes!@5ReasonsSports

Hope you all have an amazing day! #GoCanes 🏈🙌🏼✴️✳️

— The Sixth Ring Canes Show on 5 Reasons Sports (@SixthRingCanes) January 7, 2022

There is also another interesting thing about this higher. Smith landed a commitment from TCU transfer Zach Evans. He officially transferred on January 6. Projected as a second-round running back, Evans ran for 1,063 yards and nine touchdowns in two seasons at TCU. With Smith now in the fold for the Miami Hurricanes, could Evans come along? The latter would certainly be a big boost to the Miami Hurricanes running game.

In any event, this is a big hire by the Miami Hurricanes. Smith brings experience as well as developmental ability to this coaching staff. For those reasons among others, I think he will be a great fit.