Colleges

After latest loss, Coker says he hurts as he thinks of fans

CORAL GABLES - So many times over the past few weeks, when Larry Coker was asked about his job security at Miami, he steadfastly insisted that the constant speculation had no effect on his psyche.

That's apparently no longer the case.

Coker's Hurricanes are 5-4 overall, 2-3 in the ACC, and Saturday night's 17-10 loss to No. 20 Virginia Tech assured that Miami will finish this season with its worst record since 1999 - and that's if the team finds a way to win every remaining game.

"I'm hurting," Coker said Sunday. "I'm hurting, but not from negative talk from people that don't know me or don't know the program. Our fans are hurting. I want to bring some good times, good feelings, back for these fans, for these players, for this program."

University officials, including athletic director Paul Dee, have said the school would evaluate Coker and his staff at the end of the season. Dee could not be reached for comment Sunday.

"I don't care who you are in coaching," Coker said. "Sunday's a long day when you're winning all the games, and Sunday's really a long day when you don't win. So does it take a toll? Sure it does. But that's when you've got to be at your best. It's easy when you win all your games."

Coker said Miami, which still needs one more win to be bowl-eligible, has much to play for.

The Hurricanes visit Maryland on Saturday, then are at Virginia on Nov. 18 before ending the regular season at home against Boston College on Thanksgiving night.

Those are the last three chances the Hurricanes have to save their season.

They might be the last three chances UM has to save Coker's job, too.

"I'm going to be fine and I mean that from the deepest part of my soul," Coker said. "I know what I'm all about. Those decisions come from others and I respect that. Whatever decisions are made are made. But by the same token, we've still got a job to do here. That's my main concern."

STRONG DEFENSE: The Hurricanes might have turned in their best defensive effort of the season, allowing 17 yards on 28 plays in the second half, including one 12-play stretch where the Hokies had negative yardage eight times, along with three incompletions. Over those dozen plays, Virginia Tech had minus-19 yards.

"The defense played unbelievable ... and once again we didn't get it done," said quarterback Kyle Wright, who had two interceptions and 84 yards passing.

[Last modified November 6, 2006, 02:37:21]