Miami football: UNC defensive coordinator Jay Bateman is Tar Heels Manny Diaz

North Carolina defensive coordinator Jay Bateman has made a big impact on the Tar Heels defense. He is comparable to the head coach for the Miami football program, Manny Diaz.

Jay Bateman is in his 14th season as a defensive coordinator at the Division I level. Bateman is in his first season leading the Tar Heels defense under Mack Brown. Bateman’s ascension could be similar to Miami football head coach Manny Diaz.

Bateman has been a defensive coordinator at the FBS level since 2011. Bateman led the Ball State defense from 2011-13 and Army from 2014-18. North Carolina held South Carolina to 270 total yards in their 24-20 victory in week one. The Tar Heels had six tackles for loss and three sacks.

The Hurricanes offensive line will face a challenge against a good North Carolina front seven. Former quarterback Chazz Surratt had 12 tackles, one TFL and one sack against South Carolina. North Carolina’s defense showed marked improvement against South Carolina from what they were last season.

The Tar Heels allowed 447.1 total yards per game in 2018. Bateman has clearly made an immediate impact on the North Carolina defense. Bateman’s defense at Army was impactful in 2018. Saturday night should see an easy comparison for the defense with the Miami football team.

The Black Knights were eighth in total defense, 10th in scoring defense, 10th against the run, 21st against the pass, 34th in third-down conversion defense and 20th in red-zone defense.  Army’s defensive success led to Bateman being a finalist for the Broyles Award as the best assistant coach in college football.

Bateman earned recognition last season against Oklahoma. The Black Knights took the Sooners to overtime before losing. The Tar Heels are going to get after Miami QB Jarren Williams. The Miami football team needs far better protection from their offensive line.