Ed Reed Named Miami Hurricanes' Chief of Staff; Advisory Role to Manny Diaz

Hall of Famer Ed Reed is returning to Miami as chief of staff for the football team, the school announced Thursday.

"As Chief of Staff, Reed will serve in an advisory role to Diaz in all aspects of the football program, including strategic planning, quality control, operations, player evaluation and player development," the statement read. "Reed will also provide assistance in team building, student-athlete mentorship and recruiting, as permissible under NCAA rules."

Reed spent four seasons at Miami as a player. He was a consensus All-American on two occasions and was a star senior for the Hurricanes when they won their last national championship in 2001. 

Then he embarked on an NFL career that included nine trips to the Pro Bowl, a Super Bowl title and five All-Pro honors. The 41-year-old was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 2019.

Reed has expressed a desire to move into coaching:

"

Ed Reed says he considered applying for a DBs coaching job with the Patriots. Definitely has a desire to coach again at some point and would love if the Ravens would create a position for him somewhere on staff. Seems like a no brainer to me. They should make it happen

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) August 2, 2019"

"

Dear football #NFL #College I’m interested in a Head Coaching job. #CoachReed/HC #HOF #CFHOH #HShof #SuperBowlChamp more on Resume #edreed501c3

— Ed Reed (@TwentyER) October 19, 2019"

Given what his job duties entail, Reed will have the opportunity to wear a lot of hats for his alma mater. It doesn't appear head coach Manny Diaz is bringing him aboard to merely serve in a figurehead role.

Hiring Reed is one of several notable move by Diaz this month.

"

I’ve criticized the Canes plenty, but hiring Ed Reed is a great move and exactly what so many former players wanted. A voice from a great Cane to try and help guide Manny Diaz and the program in the right direction. It can’t hurt.

— Will Manso (@WillManso) January 30, 2020"

Miami announced the arrival of Rhett Lashlee as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Jan. 4. Just under two weeks later, D'Eriq King confirmed he was transferring to Coral Gables for his senior season. The Hurricanes are also welcoming a 2020 recruiting class that is 17th in 247Sports' composite rankings, up from 27th in 2019.

Fans have witnessed enough false dawns to be somewhat skeptical until the team delivers on the field. Diaz clearly understood the need to shake things up, though, following a disappointing 6-7 season.