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Five Schools that Could Hire Manny Diaz as Head Coach

By Alan Rubenstein

Dec 30, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive coordinator Manny Diaz huddles up with the defense during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the 2015 Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. The Bulldogs defeated the Wolfpack 51-28. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive coordinator Manny Diaz huddles up with the defense during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the 2015 Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. The Bulldogs defeated the Wolfpack 51-28. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Florida Atlantic Owls wide receiver John Mitchell (85) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Rice Owls at Rice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Florida Atlantic Owls wide receiver John Mitchell (85) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Rice Owls at Rice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Florida Atlantic

After the Owls Conference USA Rival Florida International tabbed Butch Davis as their new Head Coach, FAU could make their own UM splash by hiring Diaz. The Hurricanes beat FAU 38-10 in the second game of the season.

Florida Atlantic’s defense was near the bottom nationally in several categories this season. They finished 122nd out of 128 teams in the nation, giving up 39.8 points per game. That was last in Conference USA. They were nearly as bad in Conference games, allowing 39.4 Points per game.

Diaz would have his work cut out for him recruiting against Davis. FIU has a few week head start from when they hired Davis, but Diaz has already been working the Miami area for the last year and likely knows the players better than Davis and his staff.

The other interesting connection between the Hurricanes and the Owls is the Howard Schnellenberger began the FAU program and is the one that pushed Miami into National prominence.

The Owls have most of their offense returning next season. Quarterback Jason Driskel, running backs Greg Howell and Devin Singletary and Wide Receiver Kalib Woods all had outstanding seasons.

Defensively, Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair returns. He has 112 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception return for a touchdown this season.

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