Miami Football: The Biggest Offseason Storylines for the Hurricanes

The Miami Hurricanes have entered what is expected to be a tense, intriguing offseason, and a few storylines loom large over the program.

Following a 6-7 campaign that contained a four-game losing streak, the pressure to make personnel changes is higher than ever. Any coaching moves could affect recruiting, though the uncertainty surrounding "The U" seems to already be disturbing the 2015 class.

However, no matter which prospects sign with the school, the 'Canes must replace 12 starters, including a few team leaders.

The school proclaims a rallying cry of "It's great, to be, a Miami Hurricane," but right now, it's more "complex" than anything else.

Will Any Coaching Moves Be Made?

Whether or not someone believes Al Golden is the right man for the head-coaching position at Miami is an opinion. However, the fact is athletic director Blake James said Golden will continue at the helm, per the Sun Sentinel's Christy Cabrera Chirinos.

So, barring an unexpected change of plans, it's time for everyone to bury the hatchet and accept that, for better or worse, Golden is leading the Hurricanes next season.

What isn't set in stone, of course, are the assistant jobs at Miami. Three matters are called into question for this topic: Loyalty, stubbornness and realism.

Golden is loyal to defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio, defensive line coach Jethro Franklin and defensive backs coach Paul Williams, each of whom was brought from Temple when Golden was hired in 2010.

D'Onofrio has been on the fanbase's verbal hot seat for, oh, about two years now. Franklin's front line has struggled to maintain consistent production after encouraging starts to the last couple seasons, while Williams' secondary noticeably regressed in 2014.

As for stubbornness, Golden needs to hire a special teams coach because the current one—Golden—struggled immensely last season. Add four kicks blocked to the following table, and it was a forgettable season for the unit.

Year	KR Avg	KR Coverage	PR Avg	PR Coverage
2011	72	13	25	96
2012	2	10	95	100
2013	7	31	30	110
2014	82	117	87	43

Will it happen? Don't bet the rent on it, but don't be surprised if it happens.

Nevertheless, Golden needs to be realistic with himself, which entails addressing loyalty and overcoming stubbornness to potentially make a few changes.

Offensive coordinator James Coley should stay with Miami—excluding a promotion elsewhere, which doesn't appear likely. Plus, Coley's relationship with and trust in quarterback Brad Kaaya is undoubtedly valuable.

The running backs were solid under the leadership of Tim "Ice" Harris, most notably Gus Edwards starting to run like the powerful 6'2", 230-pound talent he is rather than a finesse back.

Additionally, tight ends coach Larry Scott and O-line headman Art Kehoe are probably safe—and for good reason. Behind those four, though, a shakeup might be coming.

How Will the Recruiting Class Shake Out?

Credit: 247Sports

National signing day is less than one month away, and the 'Canes must find a way to finish strong on the recruiting trail. They currently sit at No. 20 in the 247Sports composite rankings.

Dexter Williams recently backed out of his commitment, leaving 4-star running backs Mark Walton and Jordan Scarlett verbally tied to Golden and Co. The latter, though, is also considering Florida and Florida State, according to the Orlando Sentinel's Chris Hays.

Lawrence Cager pledged to the Hurricanes at the Army All-American Bowl, though his commitment was overshadowed by rumblings of parental pressure, per 247Sports (subscription required).

Miami is looking to snag 4-star defensive back Marcus Lewis to cap a very solid DB haul that includes Jaquan Johnson, Michael Jackson and newly committed Robert Knowles.

The coaching staff addressed two of the team's biggest needs admirably, earning six pledges from offensive linemen and four on the D-line. Plus, Miami isn't finished in that department since Kendrick Norton, Fredrick Johnson and others are still available.

Linebacker is the one position with a lingering question mark, however, because Charles Perry is the lone commit at an already thin spot. Marques Gayot moving from safety to weak-side linebacker helps, but Miami should be looking for an inside linebacker.

Note: The school is reportedly switching its apparel sponsorship from Nike to Adidas, per Matt Porter of the Palm Beach Post. Though there certainly might be a marginal influence on a few recruits, it's a negligible factor in a majority of cases.

How to Replace Key Players

Rogelio V. Solis/Associated Press

The Hurricanes have a solid group of seniors heading toward the NFL draft in Phillip Dorsett, Clive Walford, Shane McDermott, Jon Feliciano, Anthony Chickillo, Olsen Pierre, Denzel Perryman, Thurston Armbrister and Ladarius Gunter.

Plus, Duke Johnson and Ereck Flowers elected to forgo their respective senior seasons and declare for the professional level. And, oh by the way, Miami obviously has to replace every last of one of them.

Wide receiver Rashawn Scott and edge-rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad are expected to return after missing the recent season. Standish Dobard should take over at tight end, Jermaine Grace should appear at outside linebacker and Corn Elder should grab a larger role at corner.

Many members of the 2014 class—Joe Yearby, Braxton Berrios, Nick Linder, Kc McDermott, Trevor Darling, Chad Thomas, Courtel Jenkins, Anthony Moten, Darrion Owens and Juwon Young—will battle for the vacated positions.

But can they replace what is leaving the Hurricanes?

Miami is losing a career record-holder (Johnson), the top two receivers (Dorsett and Walford), 111 starts on the offensive line, a four-year starter (Chickillo) and the man with the ninth-most tackles in school history (Perryman).

It's a tall task, but someone needs to step up. Actually, make that 12 someones.

Note: Stats courtesy of CFBstats.com. Recruiting information via 247Sports.

Follow Bleacher Report college football writer David Kenyon on Twitter: @Kenyon19_BR.