As the Miami Hurricanes gear up for the Pinstripe Bowl, defensive coordinator Lance Guidry addressed the media, outlining his strategy for the team's revamped secondary and how they're coping without some key players.
Guidry, with his usual directness, explained the integration of less experienced players into the first-team defense. "We're playing basically the same guys," he said, naming Jaden Davis at free safety and Te'Cory Couch at boundary safety. "So we'll have (Ja’Dais) Richard at a corner, we'll have one of the Browns at the corner. We're going to always have the best defensive backs on the field that we can."
The coordinator's confidence in his team shone through as he talked about adapting to new circumstances. "The guys have embraced the new positions... TC the other day running through the post going make plays on balls was like ‘dang I know why Kam (Kinchens) likes this you kind of get to freelance a little bit’," Guidry noted.
Guidry was quick to acknowledge the importance of linebacker Kiko Mauigoa’s return next season. "It's good to have him, of course," he stated. "I think this year coming up will be a really big year for him. He's got work left to do here, and we're happy to try to help him reach his goals."
Guidry also touched on the broader significance of the bowl game. "You want to kind of win every game you play," he remarked, emphasizing the team's commitment despite previous challenges in bowl games. "Getting an eighth win will be big and it'll set us up for next year."
When asked about the players who left, Guidry's philosophy was clear. "Every year your seniors leave and you say, 'Man, how are we going to replace them?' and somebody always steps up," he reflected. "It's kind of the next man up attitude."
On the tactical front, Guidry confirmed the team's versatility. "We're going to run everything we got. We're going to play Four down, we're going to play three-three stack, we're going to play 43, everything we showed on film," he declared, showcasing his tactical acumen.
Finally, discussing his experience under head coach Mario Cristobal, Guidry praised his boss's recruitment efforts. "Thank God coach Cristobal loves recruiting... He does an unbelievable job. It's his niche as well," he said, underscoring the collective effort behind building a strong team.
