MIAMI — MIami Hurricanes legend Alonzo Highsmith’s anticipated move from an NFL personnel role to UM’s football front office became official on Thursday morning, when the Hurricanes announced his hiring.
As The Miami Herald reported on Wednesday night, Highsmith will be the program’s general manager/football operations. It’s a new position created for him.
“Alonzo is a true Miami Hurricane,” UM coach Mario Cristobal said in a statement. “He understands the commitment and sacrifice it takes to be a champion on and off the field. His tremendous passion for the University of Miami and this city is unparalleled.
“Alonzo brings experience as a student-athlete, a first-round NFL draft pick and an NFL executive. He shares our vision for the trajectory and the culture of this football program, and his knowledge and experience will allow him to make a positive and powerful impact on our program and community. I am fired up to welcome home another Miami Hurricane!”
UM said Highsmith “will work directly with Cristobal to support all administrative functions of the football program, including budget related items, culture building, program imaging, and working directly with staff members both on and off the field. He will also serve as a liaison between the administration and football program, serve as a liaison between former Miami players and staff, assist with scouting and roster assessment and supervise NFL relations.”
Highsmith also is expected to have a significant role in UM’s recruiting operations and evaluation of high school and transfer portal players, according to a source.
“It is an honor to come back to the University of Miami and I am very humbled,” Highsmith said. “The opportunity to work with Mario Cristobal and Dan Radakovich, as well as my passion and love for the city of Miami is what brought me back. I could not pass up this opportunity and this challenge.”
UM director of athletics Dan Radakovich said Miami is “excited to welcome Alonzo back to Coral Gables. His extensive experience as an NFL executive will provide tremendous value to our football operations. In addition, we are looking forward to having him as a member of our senior administrative team.”
Highsmith, who played running back for the Hurricanes from 1983-1986, spent the past 23 years in scouting and personnel, most recently serving as senior executive adviser to the general manager for the Seattle Seahawks.
He worked 19 seasons in the Green Bay Packers’ personnel department and was the Cleveland Brown’s vice president of personnel in 2018 and 2019.
