Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports posted earlier this week that former Miami head coach Butch Davis has a hotter seat at FIU than about 10 miles to the Southeast than Hurricanes boss Manny Diaz has. The Panthers have started the 2021 season 1-4 after finishing 0-5 during a COVID-interrupted season.
The only win for FIU in the last two seasons came against FCS Long Island University to begin the 2021 season. FIU lost to FCS Jacksonville State who defeated Florida State earlier this season. The Panthers have a 10 game losing streak against FBS opponents. Their last FBS win was against Miami in November 2019.
Davis is one of three FBS coaches listed on the hot seat according to Dodd which CBS defines as “Win or be fired.” FIU is 24-25 in five seasons under Davis. Davis had a 23-14 in his first 37 games with the Panthers. FIU is 1-10 in their last 11 games over three seasons. Some Miami fans still want Davis to return to Coral Gables.
Davis set the foundation for Miami to return to prominence after probation in the mid-1990s hindered the program. The Hurricanes finished second nationally in 2000 before Davis left to become the head coach with the Cleveland Browns. After being fired in Cleveland Davis became the head coach at North Carolina.
"Butch Davis, FIU, 5: Davis used to rule the world as a Super Bowl-winning assistant, an NFL head coach and the Miami coach who turned around the program in the 1990s before setting it up for its 2001 national championship. Halfway through his fifth season at FIU, he has lost 11 of his last 12 games (1-4 this season).At the end of Davis’ five-year deal, the administration may not have to pay a buyout for the 69-year-old. Preseason rating: 3"
I've resisted believing Manny Diaz is truly on the hot seat.
— Andrew Doughty (@DoughtyBetMGM) October 1, 2021
But he is. He has to be.
If they don't get Mario Cristobal, maybe:
Geoff Collins
Jeff Hafley
Billy Napier
Barry Odom
Joe Brady?
Diaz is one of 14 coaches listed by Dodd as “pressure is mounting.” Included on that list is Florida State head coach Mike Norvell. Miami is one to two games below expectations. Michigan State is far better than expected. A 21 point loss at home to the Spartans was not acceptable. Miami has to show improvement the rest of the season.
"Manny Diaz 3There is negative buzz about Diaz’s job security in his third season. That buzz is aided by Mario Cristobal — a native son and former player with title rings — having Oregon in the top 10. However, a Miami Herald report said Diaz is safe if he wins eight. A loss to Alabama was expected, but by 31?Michigan State overwhelmed the ‘Canes at home in hot conditions that should benefit Miami. The latest gut-wrencher was missing a game-winning field goal against Virginia. In a wide-open ACC, the ‘Canes still have a chance. Diaz’s buyout is reportedly $8 million. Preseason rating: 2"
Manny Diaz fell from what Dodd labeled “All good … for now.” before the season to the three now. If Miami loses to North Carolina next weekend, Diaz could be elevated to a four. The Miami fanbase and several Miami football alums have Diaz more like a six which exceeds what Dodd has. They want Diaz fired now or after the season.
North Carolina begins a difficult three-game stretch for Miami. Miami follows UNC with North Carolina State on October 23 and at Pittsburgh on October 30. If Miami losses all three games it’s difficult to see Diaz surviving into November. The hot seat for MannyDiaz is just beginning to kindle. This season has miserably failed expectations.