In a strategic move to enhance the Miami Hurricanes’ rushing attack, head coach Mario Cristobal has hired Favian Upshaw, a quality control assistant from the Denver Broncos, as the team’s new running backs coach. This change comes after the Hurricanes reached the College Football National Championship game for the first time since 2003 but then suffered a setback against the Indiana Hoosiers. Upshaw’s addition is aimed at elevating Miami’s ground game, which averaged 151.8 rushing yards per game last season.
Favian Upshaw’s previous connection with Cristobal is notable, as Upshaw initially signed with the FIU Panthers when Cristobal was their head coach. His coaching career began in college football in 2021 at Georgia Southern, where he served as running backs coach and helped his team average 192.5 rushing yards per game – a substantial improvement compared to Miami’s recent performance.
Favian Upshaw’s Experience with NFL and College Running Backs
At 32 years old, Upshaw has already made a mark in the NFL, working alongside Denver Broncos running backs coach Lou Ayeni. He played a major role in developing undrafted free agent Jaleel McLaughlin, who finished last season with 906 rushing yards and added 236 receiving yards. McLaughlin ranked third in rushing yards on the Broncos squad, behind J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey. This background indicates Upshaw’s ability to cultivate talent, a valuable trait for Miami’s running backs such as Mark Fletcher, Girard Pringle Jr., and Jordan Lyle.
Before joining the NFL, Upshaw returned to Tulane as an offensive analyst and quarterback coach in 2022. His earlier tenure at Tulane as a graduate assistant coincided with the team’s back-to-back bowl victories, signaling his exposure to successful offensive schemes. At Denver, he closely supported the running back unit and even interviewed for a wide receiver coach position, yet he ultimately chose to accept the offer from Miami to return to college coaching.
Miami is hiring Denver Broncos quality control assistant Favian Upshaw as its next running backs coach, sources tell @On3.Takes over a Miami RB room that includes Mark Fletcher, Marty Brown, Girard Pringle Jr. & Jordan Lyle. CBS first reported Upshaw was the target.… https://t.co/O9hI6Tzw70 pic.twitter.com/WGdXvxnXdU
— Pete Nakos, Sports Reporter
Rushing Backfield Stability and Future Prospects for Miami
While replacing former running backs coach Matt Merritt, who moved to the Arizona Cardinals, could be challenging, Miami’s current running back group provides a solid foundation for Upshaw. Mark Fletcher Jr. had an outstanding season, amassing 507 yards on 75 carries in four playoff games – the highest in College Football Playoff history – and scored three touchdowns. Backup CharMar Brown contributed significantly as well, with 474 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 122 carries.
Merritt’s departure leaves big shoes to fill given his success in improving Miami’s national rushing rank to 71st. His move to the NFL reflects the Hurricanes’ coaching staff as a talent pipeline. Tight ends coach Cody Woodiel also left this offseason for an opportunity at Ole Miss under Pete Golding. These staff changes mark a period of adjustment but also open opportunities for fresh energy and ideas under Cristobal’s leadership.
Mario Cristobal’s Efforts in Recruiting Top Talent for 2027
Building on the coaching shift, Miami is aggressively pursuing high-profile recruits for the 2027 class, emphasizing the importance of sustained success. A key target is Nick Lennear, a wide receiver from Opa Locka, who has expressed genuine interest in Miami and scheduled his official visit for May 29. Alongside Lennear, five-star offensive tackle Mark Matthews is another priority recruit for the Hurricanes.
Just like (Mark) Matthews, Miami’s been setting the pace in this race even longer,
I think a year-plus for Nick Lennear. People are just kind of waiting to see when he commits to the University of Miami.
— Chad Simmons, Recruiting Insider
Lennear’s admiration for Miami is evident, with a viral video showing him celebrating the Hurricanes’ win over Ole Miss. Despite holding 21 offers from programs such as Georgia, Florida State, and Indiana, all indications suggest Miami remains his top choice. Cristobal’s ability to secure these commitments will be critical to bolstering Miami’s offense in the upcoming seasons.
Implications for Miami’s Future Running Game and Team Dynamics
Favian Upshaw’s appointment signals Miami’s commitment to revamping its rushing attack and improving offensive productivity. His experience at both the collegiate and NFL levels equips him to advance the development of key players like Fletcher, Pringle Jr., and Lyle, potentially transforming Miami’s backfield into a more formidable unit.
With a stable group of running backs and incoming top recruits, Mario Cristobal is driving a rebuilding phase but also preserving momentum following Miami’s deep playoff run last season. The coaching staff transitions, including filling in for Matt Merritt and Cody Woodiel, underscore the challenge of maintaining continuity amid shifting personnel.
Overall, Upshaw’s hiring combined with focused recruiting efforts hints at an evolving Miami Hurricanes program eager to sustain competitive success in the coming years. The upcoming spring game and recruiting visits will be critical milestones as this plan unfolds.
Miami is hiring Denver Broncos quality control assistant Favian Upshaw as its next running backs coach, sources tell @On3.
Takes over a Miami RB room that includes Mark Fletcher, Marty Brown, Girard Pringle Jr. & Jordan Lyle. CBS first reported Upshaw was the target.… https://t.co/O9hI6Tzw70 pic.twitter.com/WGdXvxnXdU
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) February 26, 2026
