The Miami Hurricanes have strengthened their coaching staff by hiring Favian Upshaw, currently the offensive quality control coach for the Denver Broncos, as their new running backs coach beginning with the 2026 season. Bringing nearly ten years of coaching experience and professional NFL insights, Upshaw replaces Matt Merritt, who left for the Arizona Cardinals, with the goal of enhancing Miami’s rushing attack and player development.
Upshaw’s Track Record in Elevating Running Backs
Favian Upshaw joins Miami after two productive seasons coaching at Denver, where he played a significant role in the development of undrafted running back Jaleel McLaughlin. McLaughlin recorded 906 rushing yards on 189 carries, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt, and added 55 receptions for 236 yards over his first two NFL seasons. These achievements place McLaughlin among the top undrafted running backs in Broncos history in key statistical categories. Upshaw’s success in cultivating professional-level backs aligns with head coach Mario Cristobal’s emphasis on bolstering the Hurricanes’ ground game as they continue their push toward College Football Playoff contention.
Favian Upshaw’s Coaching Journey Before Miami
Prior to his NFL role with the Broncos, Upshaw accumulated extensive coaching experience at various educational levels. He began as co-offensive coordinator at Astronaut High School in his hometown of Titusville, Florida. He then progressed to college coaching roles, serving as a graduate assistant at Tulane University in 2018 and 2019, coaching quarterbacks at Savannah State in 2020, and leading the running backs for Georgia Southern Eagles in 2021. Returning to Tulane in 2022, he worked as an offensive analyst and assistant quarterbacks coach before transitioning to the NFL.
As a player, Upshaw was recognized for his speed and versatility in Georgia Southern’s run-heavy pistol and option offense, amassing over 2,400 yards of total offense during his collegiate career. He earned MVP honors in the 2015 GoDaddy Bowl after rushing for 199 yards and four touchdowns, contributing to Georgia Southern’s first bowl victory at the FBS level.
13 Days until GEORGIA SOUTHERN FOOTBALL!!🎥 #13 Favian Upshaw – 2015 GoDaddy Bowl victory over Bowling Green! Fastest 80 yard touchdown run I’ve ever seen!@Coach_Upshaw @GoDaddyBowl pic.twitter.com/dMmycjZWoE
— GATA Nation (@TheGataNation)
How Upshaw Is Expected to Impact Miami’s Offense
Upshaw’s addition is anticipated to bring a comprehensive approach that combines pro-level coaching precision with a modern perspective on the running game influenced by both college and NFL schemes. Drawing from his own playing experience and Denver Broncos tenure, he is projected to deepen Miami’s integration of gap-scheme runs and option-based concepts, which could add flexibility in deploying backs and quarterbacks during critical short-yardage and red zone situations.
His Florida roots and familiarity with the local recruiting landscape—having grown up in Titusville and played college football at FIU—position him well to establish strong connections with in-state prospects and families. This background, coupled with his NFL credentials, enhances Miami’s appeal when recruiting and developing talent.
Favian Upshaw’s work with the Broncos emphasized refining footwork, improving field vision, and strengthening decision-making under pressure, skill areas Miami’s running backs aim to improve as the program advances. His history of maximizing the potential of undrafted and late-round NFL players will likely benefit Miami’s roster, which features a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young athletes.
Welcome to Miami, Favian Upshaw! 🙌
Coach Upshaw has been appointed as our new running backs coach. pic.twitter.com/aTFOdsYnKw
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) March 3, 2026
13 Days until GEORGIA SOUTHERN FOOTBALL!!
🎥 #13 Favian Upshaw – 2015 GoDaddy Bowl victory over Bowling Green!
Fastest 80 yard touchdown run I’ve ever seen!@Coach_Upshaw @GoDaddyBowl pic.twitter.com/dMmycjZWoE
— GATA Nation (@TheGataNation) August 30, 2020
