Manny Diaz Named New Miami Hurricanes Head Coach

Former Defensive Coordinator Returns to Lead Canes

Coral Gables, Fla. - December 30, 2022 -

The University of Miami has named Manny Diaz as its new head football coach, the school announced Monday. Diaz, who served as the Hurricanes' defensive coordinator from 2016-2018 before leaving to become the head coach at Temple, replaces Mario Cristobal, who left Miami for Florida earlier this month.

Diaz, 48, was born in Cuba and raised in New Jersey. He played college football at Florida State before embarking on a coaching career that has included stops at Middle Tennessee State, Mississippi State, and Texas. He joined Miami's staff in 2016 and quickly helped turn around a struggling defense.

In 2017, Miami's defense ranked among the nation's best, finishing 11th in total defense and sixth in scoring defense. The Hurricanes also led the nation in interceptions.

Diaz left Miami after the 2018 season to become the head coach at Temple. He went 12-15 in two seasons with the Owls before being fired in December 2021.

Diaz returns to Miami with a reputation as a top-notch defensive mind. He is expected to bring a similar style of play to the Hurricanes, who struggled defensively under Cristobal.

Diaz's hiring was met with mixed reactions from Miami fans. Some welcomed his return, while others questioned his ability to lead the program to a national championship.

Diaz will be formally introduced as Miami's head coach at a press conference on Tuesday.