Miami QB decides to transfer

CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- Quarterback Robert Marve is leaving Miami, ending weeks of speculation about his future and adding to the tumultuous start of the Hurricanes' offseason.

Marve started 11 of 13 games this season for the Hurricanes, but also served a pair of suspensions in unrelated incidents, including one that kept him out of the Emerald Bowl.

He told The Associated Press on Tuesday in a telephone interview that he had asked coach Randy Shannon for a release from his scholarship and it had been granted.

"I had to get out," Marve told the AP from his family's home in Tampa. "I just decided that I can't play for coach Shannon."

Other than announcing the release, the Hurricanes had no immediate comment. Marve's decision came hours after Miami fired offensive coordinator Patrick Nix, whom Marve had a strong relationship with.

Miami lost the Emerald Bowl 24-17 to California with Jacory Harris playing quarterback and finished Shannon's second season as coach 7-6. Harris figures to be the Hurricanes' No. 1 quarterback heading into next season.