UM ends discussions with Highsmith, said it’s moving on to other candidates
After on-and-off conversations with former Hurricanes great Alonzo Highsmith over several weeks, the University of Miami has decided not to hire him.
“We had conversations with Alonzo but never were able to agree to terms,” athletic director Blake James said in an e-mail to The Miami Herald. “With that said we have moved forward in our search and are excited about other prospects.”
James then tweeted a statement two hours later: “Alonzo is part of the Hurricane family and as someone who has spent his life around football at all levels is a real asset. We have had numerous discussions about our program and his observations. We approached him about an opportunity to join our team but he decided it was best to stay in the NFL. We wish him continued success in his role with the Browns.”
But HIghsmith said UM never offered him a job. He declined further comment.
At the behest of a prominent Board of Trustee member, James and coach Manny Diaz reached to out to Highsmith in early January to discuss a potential job as chief of staff, in a role offering assistance to Diaz in several areas.
Nothing materialized, and Highsmith told The Herald last Thursday that the door was closed on him taking a job at UM.
But Highsmith then met with James on Friday, creating hope that an agreement between the parties could be reached.
But there was never anything close to an agreement that day or subsequently, according to sources close to both parties, and talks officially ended this week.
At least one prominent UM trustee and a high-profile booster wanted UM to hire Highsmith for a powerful position similar to a role as a general manager of an NFL team. The booster was even willing to pay Highsmith’s salry under those circumstances.
But James never considered that GM-type position, because it would be highly unusual for a college football program and because he didn’t want anyone looking over Diaz’s shoulder.
And though Highsmith spoke directly with Diaz and James about a lower-profile, less-impactful chief of staff role, that job - and a modest salary - never held great appeal to Highsmith, according to a close associate of Highsmith.
Highsmith said that job ultimately was never offered.
Highsmith remains employed as a personnel executive with the Cleveland Browns.
This story was originally published January 16, 2020 at 2:14 PM.
