Manny Diaz postgame handshake with Mack Brown gets national attention

The postgame handshake between head coaches Manny Diaz of Miami and Mack Brown of North Carolina has attained national attention from several media outlets. Diaz was fired by Brown as the Texas defensive coordinator in 2013. North Carolina has defeated Miami in the last three years with Brown and Diaz as head coaches.

North Carolina defeated Miami 45-42 on Saturday in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels intercepted Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke off a tipped pass by linebacker Jeremiah Gemmel that was caught by fellow LB Cedric Gray. North Carolina took over with six seconds remaining and took a knee to run out the clock.

Miami rallied after trailing 28-10 in the first half but never was able to tie after that point. The Hurricanes suffered their second consecutive heartbreaking loss in a row. Miami lost 30-28 to Virginia on September 30 before a bye week. Andres Borregales’ 33-yard field goal attempt hit the left upright with no time remaining.

Following the loss, Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke was seen crying on the sideline. Van Dyke started his third straight game in relief of D’Eriq King who recently had season-ending shoulder surgery. Van Dyke was 20-45 for 264 yards passing, one touchdown, three interceptions and ran nine times for 64 yards.

The video after the game showed Brown laughing and holding Diaz’s arm. Diaz responded by patting Brown on both shoulders with each arm. Manny Diaz was let go at Texas after the Longhorns allowed 550 rushing yards in a 40-21 loss to BYU. North Carolina ran for 554 yards in a 62-26 victory over Miami last season.

Miami returns home to host North Carolina State next weekend. The Wolfpack is 5-1 overall and 2-0 in the ACC. North Carolina State will likely move up after being ranked 22nd last week. Miami won 44-41 in Raleigh last season. Diaz was a Wolfpack assistant from 2000-2005. MannyDiaz held multiple positions at NC State.