Manny Diaz loyalty to Miami Football made him only hire as Head Coach
Manny Diaz’s decision to remain with the Miami Football team before his short-lived era as the Temple Head Coach was an important development in his return as the Hurricanes Head Coach 18 days later.
Manny Diaz was named the Head Coach at Temple on December 12 to replace Geoff Collins who left for Georgia Tech. After his introduction as the Owls Head Coach, Diaz stayed with the Miami football program through their loss to Wisconsin in the Pinstripe Bowl on December 27.
Three days after Miami’s loss to the Badgers, Mark RIcht resigned as Head Coach and Diaz was hired less than 12 hours later to succeed him. Miami had to pay Temple a $4 million buyout for Diaz’s promotion and have the Hurricanes former Defensive Coordinator return as Head Coach of the Hurricanes.
Diaz’s decision to stay with the Miami football team and coach in the Pinstripe Bowl was polarizing on social media and sports talk radio. On the Miami flagship station, WQAM afternoon host Channing Crowder was outspoken about the importance of a “Miami Man” coaching the Hurricanes.
Crowder’s opinion was essentially paraphrasing former Michigan Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Bo Schembechler who would not allow Bill Frieder to coach in the 1989 NCAA Tournament after accepting the job at Arizona State. Schembechler stated he wanted a Michigan Man coaching Michigan.
Steve Fisher was named interim Head Coach and behind Miami Heat legend Glen Rice the Wolverines won the National Championship.
Diaz’s decision to coach Miami in the Pinstripe Bowl was out of loyalty to his players. Diaz discussed his thoughts about his decision to stay with the Hurricanes for the Pinstripe Bowl before the matchup with Wisconsin.
"“I felt like I owed it to those kids to finish what we started this year…We’ve got an amazing thing going and there are some special guys. I just wanted to be with them one more time.I just felt like for me to do my duty as a coach to these young men, my job right now is unfinished. We’ve got one more chance to play and coach together the 27th in New York and I can’t wait for that.”"
Temple fans understandably weren’t not feeling the brotherly love from Diaz when he chose to leave Philadelphia and return to the Miami football program after his extremely short stint with the Owls.
Diaz’s decision to accept the Miami Head Coaching job was born out of his desire to accept his dream job and his loyalty to the city of Miami and his players.
The irony is that before Diaz returned to Coral Gables, Marc Narducci of
lauded Diaz for his decision to coach in the Pinstripe Bowl.
"“Loyalty is a big deal to Diaz. He is displaying that by deciding to fulfill his defensive coordinator duties one final time when Miami meets Wisconsin in the Pinstripe Bowl on Thursday at Yankee Stadium.”"
Diaz did not make the decision to coach Miami in the Pinstripe Bowl without asking Temple first. Philly.Com quoted Diaz about his decision.
"“I asked the people in the interview with Temple how they would feel if I coached the bowl game and they were very positive, very supportive of that…Step two was asking Coach [Mark] Richt and he was very positive and wanted me to come back.”"
Diaz’s players love him. He’s clearly a players’ coach. Miami Athletic Director Blake James’ decision to hire Diaz was likely influenced at least partially Diaz’s relationship with his players. Rising Senior linebacker Zach McCloud spoke about Diaz’s decision to coach in the Pinstripe Bowl ahead of the Hurricanes game at Yankee Stadium.
"“I thought that was a real stand-up move and he is really a stand-up guy because he didn’t have to do this…Most coaches wouldn’t do that, and we welcome him with open arms because he has earned everything he has been given and I am happy for him.”"
McCloud is part of the trio of linebackers with
and
who will be entering their fourth year as starters in 2019. He didn’t know it at the time, but Quarterman spoke about what kind of Head Coach that Diaz would make at Temple.
Instead of coaching Temple, Diaz will be Quarterman’s Head Coach in his final season with Miami. Diaz will be a great leader for the Hurricanes. Expect a similar aggressive style from the Miami offensive as from Diaz’s defense the last three seasons.
"“They are getting a great coach and an even better man…From the point I set foot on campus, he has been nothing but honest, helpful, and he never led me astray, and you can’t say that about all college coaches.”"
Diaz’s defensive players and especially the linebackers trust Diaz. In addition to being the Defensive Coordinator for three years under RIcht, Diaz was also the linebackers coach from 2016-18.
Next. Miami football has to earn 2019 respect on the field. dark
Diaz’s job is to be able to translate his ability to get his players to believe in him and create the same culture he did the last three years on defense. We might even see a turnover chain equivilent on offense.