Miami Hurricanes linebackers coach Micheal Barrow announces sabbatical

Hurlie Brown to replace Barrow; Tim 'Ice' Harris promoted to running backs coach

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – An assistant football coach at the University of Miami is taking a sabbatical to devote time to a family matter.

Linebackers coach Micheal Barrow made the announcement on the school's athletic website Friday.

"As a proud University of Miami graduate, former football player and coach, it is with a heavy heart that I announce I'm taking a sabbatical from coaching this season," Barrow said. "This was an extremely tough decision to leave my dream job. However, I have a very important family obligation that requires my full attention, and I would not have had enough time to effectively fulfill my coaching duties."

Barrow apologized for "any inconveniences" that come with his decision so close to the start of the 2014 season.

Head football coach Al Golden wished Barrow and his family well.

"Coach Barrow has always put faith and family first in his life and this is clearly a time in his life where family needs him," Golden said. "Micheal Barrow is the very definition of a Miami Hurricane -- having given 11 years of class, service and leadership to the university and our community. We wish Micheal, Shelly and their children all the best as they enter a new chapter in their lives and we certainly hope Mike will return to coaching and mentoring young people in the near future."

Former running backs coach Hurlie Brown will replace Barrow, and assistant director of operations Tim "Ice" Harris has been promoted to running backs coach.

Brown coached the running backs last season but was a standout safety for the Hurricanes as a player.

Harris recently joined the football staff after serving at Miami's Booker T. Washington High School.