Miami football seldom prioritizes experience with head coaching hires
Mark Richt 2016-18
Richt was 145-51 in 15 seasons at Georgia with five SEC East titles and two conference championships. Expectations were high with Richt. Miami went 9-4 in the first season under Richt and won its first bowl game in 10 years. The Hurricanes were 10-3 in the second season under Richt in 2017.
Miami won their last five games of the 2016 season and first 10 of the 2017 season for a 15 game winning streak. Richt appeared to have the U back. During his third season, Miami regressed to 7-6. Richt resigned and Diaz was hired as his replacement. Diaz had never been a head coach anywhere before.
Manny Diaz 2019-present
After struggling to 6-7 in the first season under Diaz he made substantial changes to the offensive coaching staff. Led by coordinator Rhett Lashlee and quarterback D’Eriq King the Miami offense was dynamic in 2020. The Hurricanes finished 8-3. With 19 returning starters Miami had high expectations entering 2021.
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Miami has started 2-3 in 2021 and now Diaz has a scorching hot seat. If Miami doesnt finish strong to end 2021, the Hurricanes will be looking for a new coach for the fourth time in the last seven seasons. Expect the next search to strongly lean on Miami looking for someone with previous head coaching experience.