What Is 2014 Miami Hurricanes football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 Miami Hurricanes football team represented the University of Miami in the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 6–7 record under head coach Al Golden. They played in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and lost to West Virginia in the 2014 Independence Bowl.

Key Facts

Finished the 2014 season with a 6–7 overall record
Played in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Coastal Division
Head coach Al Golden led the team for the fourth consecutive year
Lost 31–33 to West Virginia in the 2014 Independence Bowl
Quarterback Brad Kaaya threw for 3,023 yards and 26 touchdowns

Overview

The 2014 Miami Hurricanes football team competed in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Led by fourth-year head coach Al Golden, the team played its home games at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Despite high expectations entering the season, the Hurricanes struggled with consistency, finishing with a 6–7 overall record and a 3–5 mark in ACC play. Their performance culminated in a narrow loss in the Independence Bowl, marking the fourth consecutive season without a winning record under Golden.

Record: The team finished 6–7 overall and 3–5 in ACC conference games, failing to reach a winning season for the fourth straight year.
Head Coach:Al Golden remained at the helm for his fourth season, facing increasing scrutiny due to the team’s lack of postseason success.
Stadium: Played home games at Sun Life Stadium, now known as Hard Rock Stadium, located approximately 15 miles west of downtown Miami.
Bowl Game: Participated in the 2014 Independence Bowl on December 26, losing 31–33 to West Virginia in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Offensive Leader: True freshman quarterback Brad Kaaya emerged as a bright spot, throwing for 3,023 yards and 26 touchdowns with only 14 interceptions.

Performance & Season Breakdown

The 2014 season was marked by missed opportunities and close losses, with several games decided by a single possession. Miami showed flashes of potential but failed to maintain momentum through the ACC schedule.

Opening Game: Opened the season with a 34–16 win over Louisville on August 30, 2014, signaling early promise before a mid-season slump.
ACC Play: Went 3–5 in conference games, with wins over Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and Duke, but losses to Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh.
Defensive Struggles: Allowed an average of 29.5 points per game, with particular vulnerability in pass defense and third-down conversions.
Running Game: Duke Johnson rushed for 1,075 yards and 10 touchdowns before departing for the NFL Draft, showcasing elite speed and agility.
Injuries: Key injuries to the offensive line and secondary disrupted continuity, especially during critical mid-season matchups.
Recruiting: The 2014 recruiting class ranked 28th nationally by 247Sports, featuring several four-star prospects who contributed immediately.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2014 Hurricanes stacked up against recent seasons and conference peers:

Season	Overall Record	ACC Record	Bowl Result	Key Player
2014	6–7	3–5	Lost 31–33 (Independence Bowl)	Brad Kaaya
2013	9–4	5–3	Won 36–40 (ACC Championship)	Duke Johnson
2012	7–5	4–4	Won 21–13 (Independence Bowl)	Stephen Morris
2011	6–6	3–5	No bowl (6–6 record)	Jacory Harris
2010	7–6	3–5	Lost 31–38 (Sun Bowl)	Jacory Harris

The 2014 team regressed from the 9–4 finish in 2013, reflecting inconsistency and growing pains under Al Golden. While the offense showed promise with Kaaya and Johnson, defensive lapses and close losses derailed playoff aspirations. The table illustrates a pattern of near-.500 records that plagued Miami during this era, failing to break through in the ACC.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a transitional year that highlighted both emerging talent and systemic challenges within the program. It underscored the pressure on coaching staff to deliver consistent results amid rising competition in the ACC.

Program Direction: The 6–7 record intensified scrutiny on Al Golden’s leadership, ultimately leading to his dismissal after the 2015 season.
Quarterback Development: Brad Kaaya’s strong freshman year provided a foundation for future offensive growth and NFL aspirations.
Recruiting Momentum: Despite on-field struggles, Miami maintained strong regional recruiting, particularly in South Florida high schools.
Bowl Eligibility: The team reached a bowl game despite a losing record, highlighting the NCAA’s waiver policies during transition periods.
ACC Competitiveness: Demonstrated the gap between Miami and elite ACC programs like Florida State and Clemson during the mid-2010s.
Legacy Impact: Players like Duke Johnson and Brad Kaaya became key figures in revitalizing the Hurricanes’ national profile in subsequent years.

The 2014 Miami Hurricanes season, while not a success by win-loss standards, played a crucial role in shaping the program’s future. It marked the beginning of a rebuilding phase that eventually led to improved performance in the late 2010s.