Five Schools that Could Hire Manny Diaz as Head Coach
![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](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/1f5df9f34d42cc432cc4c1b4c4c8ed16f1156dd5a2aaece48376ed84abae9af4.jpg)
Houston
Houston offers Diaz his best opportunity, but the biggest shoes to fill. Tom Herman went 22-4 in his two seasons with the Cougars. They beat Louisville both seasons, upset Oklahoma in the season opener this year and Florida State in the Peach Bowl last season. They also had a 2015 win over Vanderbilt.
Baring any defections, Houston returns 15 starters, eight on offense and seven on defense. That includes five star Freshman Defensive End Ed Oliver. Herman has an offensive background and was the Offensive Coordinator at four different schools before landing at Houston.
The Cougars average 38.0 PPG, 22nd nationally and allow 22.6, 30th in the country. Among the losses are Quarterback Greg Ward Jr, Inside Linebacker Steven Taylor and Wide Receiver Chance Allen.
Taylor led the team with 72 tackles and 8.5 sacks. Allen was second on the team with 58 receptions for 856 yards and led the team with six touchdowns.
Oliver dominated in his freshman season. He was fourth on the team with 60 tackles, led Houston with 18.5 tackles for loss and also had five sacks and six passes defensed.
Houston Defensive Coordinator Todd Orlando will coach the Cougars in their bowl game. He and Offensive Coordinator Major Applewhite are considered to be among the Candidates to replace Herman.