Manny Diaz quickly making changes to Miami football staff
A report by the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson stated that new Miami Football Head Coach Manny Diaz has dismissed the entire offensive staff of his former boss Mark Richt. Strength and Conditioning Coach Gus Felder was also let go.
Felder posted to his Instagram account that he has been let go by the Miami football program. During an appearance on the Joe Rose Show on Monday morning on WQAM, Diaz indicated that he wants to hire his own staff on the offensive side of the football. It appears that Diaz did that late on Monday afternoon.
The entire offensive staff that was relieved of their duties according to Jackson were Offensive Coordinator and Running backs Coach Thomas Brown, Quarterbacks Coach Jon Richt, Offensive Line Coach Stacy Searels, Receivers coach Ron Dugans and Tight Ends Coach Todd Hartley.
Jackson stated that the Miami Football staff or the Athletic Department did not confirm the dismissals on New Year’s Eve. Junior Tight End Michael Irvin Jr. stated “I’m hurt bro; somebody gotta feel this.” according to Jackson.
Hartley was the best offensive assistant in the three years of Richt’s tenure. Two of his tight ends were selected in each of the last two NFL Drafts. David Njoku was a first-round pick of the Cleveland Browns in 2016. Christopher Herndon IV went to the New York Jets in the third round last year.
Hartley tutored Brevin Jordan during an outstanding Freshman year this season. Jordan finished second on Miami in receptions and receiving touchdowns in 2018 and third in receiving yards.
The defensive staff that he oversaw the last three years as the Defensive Coordinator for the Miami Football team seem to be safe. None of the Miami Defensive Coaches were fired on Monday. Safeties Coach Ephraim Banda and Outside Linebackers Coach Jonathan Patke were named Co-Defensive Coordinators in December.
The Hurricanes have 10 days as of Monday before the recruiting opens back up again. Diaz stated in his appearance on the Rose show that hiring the new offensive staff is the biggest sense of urgency.
They hope to get the right hire though and not just the one who is the most immediate. Chirinos transcribed the interview in the Sun Sentinel.
"“That’s going to be the first sense of urgency because we’ve got basically about 10 days until the recruiting period opens back up again. But it’s important that the hire is the best hire and not just the quickest.In terms of establishing the identity of what we’re going to be on offense and what that vision should be, it’s very similar to what we’ve been on defense.”"
Diaz will have the benefit of having at least half the staff familiar with unsigned recruits. Felder’s Instagram post is below.
Diaz came to the decision to completely overhaul the offense after consulting with the Miami Athletic Administration. It appears that Richt’s decision to retire was over differences about the makeup of the offensive staff for next season.
Next. Manny Diaz was only right choice as Miami football coach. dark
Jackson had some more news at the end of his column. Junior linebacker Michael Pinckney has decided to return for his Senior season and Junior wide receiver Lawrence Cager has decided to transfer. There has not been any news yet on what Pinckney’s teammate and classmate Shaq Quarterman’s decision is regarding 2019.