Manny Diaz able to delegate responsibilities with new defensive coaches
Manny Diaz taking adding the responsibility of defensive coordinator to being the head coach is a rare undertaking for the 2021 season. Diaz spoke earlier during National Signing Day on Wednesday about how he plans to delegate being both the DC and HC for the Miami football team during the 2021 season.
Manny Diaz hired Bob Shoop as a defensive analyst and Travis Williams as the linebackers coach earlier this week. Diaz announced during National Signing Day that he will be the defensive coordinator and it’s ultimately his responsibility to handle the defense. The Miami defense regressed significantly in 2020.
With Manny Diaz calling the defense for the first time since he was the DC under Mark Richt from 2016-18 expect more man coverage and blitzing in 2021. Miami has been one of the best teams nationally in tackles for loss and was in sacks until 2020. Miami has nine starters back on defense in 2021.
The Hurricanes will have to replace second-team All-American Jaelan Phillips and productive Quincy Roche at defensive end. New defensive line coach Jess Simpson is back after two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. Simpson helped recruit most of the DL on the Miami roster and will help Diaz choose the DE starters.
The biggest takeaway from the Hurricanes' new defensive coaches is their infectious energy and pride in being at Miami.
— Josh White (@_JoshRWhite) February 3, 2021
Manny Diaz seems to have found a staff full of dynamic coaches with a track record for recruiting and developing talent.
"“I’ve got some great guys on the staff that I can certainly delegate things to…but for this to work I’ve got to be able to go all in. I feel good about the fact that I can for a couple reasons. We’ve got a very experienced football team.We’ve got a team that knows me very well, so there’s not a concern of an offensive/defensive divide…That you’re only the head coach for those guys one side of the ball, which would have been the case had I have done this from the jump…”"
Diaz was quoted in the Miami Herald discussing how he sees the direction of being the HC and DC going in the future. Miami is experience throughout their roster with 19 starters returning. Defensive end will be the position Miami has its least experience. The Hurricanes added DE DeAndre Johnson from Tennessee.
Redshirt freshman Jahari Harvey is likely to start at DE opposite Johnson. In addition to Simpson, Diaz will be working with new coaches, Travaris Robinson with the defensive backs and Travis Williams with the linebackers. DeMarcus VanDyke is new to coaching the cornerbacks after working in recruiting previously.
Next. Bob Shoop will have game plan and scout. dark
Since being promoted two years ago to head coach, Diaz has almost completely re-made the coaching staff with major changes every year. The offensive staff had multiple changes after the 2019 season with three new coaches. Hopefully, Miami will be settled in and Diaz will handle the responsibilities of DC and HC.