Miami continues to build its coaching staff under new head coach Mark Richt, and now the Hurricanes have a defensive coordinator. Miami has announced the addition of Manny Diaz as defensive coordinator, bringing the Miami native home with plenty of experience behind him.
“I’m very excited about Manny Diaz becoming our defensive coordinator,” Richt said. “I’ve known him for over 20 years and I’ve watched him become one of the best defensive minds in the business. He and our defensive staff will implement a 4-3 attacking style defense. I’m looking forward to working with Manny. I also want to welcome his wife Stephanie and his boys Colin, Gavin and Manny to Miami.”
Diaz comes to Miami after serving a role on Mississippi State’s coaching staff under Dan Mullen.
“Starkville is a special place and I could not be more thankful for the opportunity Dan Mullen and Scott Stricklin gave my family and I,” Diaz said in a released statement. “It is the kind of opportunity that comes along rarely in this business. It was simply too good to pass up. I can’t wait to help Coach Richt build a championship program at Miami.”
Under Diaz, Mississippi State had emerged as one of the more difficult defenses to score on. At Miami he will be expected to turn that trend around for the Hurricanes as well. Miami ranked 77th in the nation in scoring defense last season, allowing an average of 28.2 points per game. Miami was torched for 59 points by North Carolina and 58 points by Clemson in two of the more embarrassing losses of the season for Miami.
Of course, Miami really needs to improve on offense before Miami can start thinking about competing for an ACC title, but the addition of Diaz to the staff is a nice move for Richt and the Hurricanes.