Manny Diaz national hot seat entering November

Wins over number 18 North Carolina State and at 17th ranked Pittsburgh the last two weeks have cooled off the hot seat for Manny Diaz. With four games the Miami football team is expected to win to finish the season, Diaz could quickly return to the hot seat. Miami hosts Georgia Tech on Saturday.

Miami entered the season ranked 14th in the AP Top 25 and 16th in the USA Today Coaches Poll. The ESPN Football Power Index listed Miami as a favorite in their last 11 games. A close win over Appalachian State and losses to Virginia and North Carolina brought cries from the Miami fan base to fire Manny Diaz.

Miami has been on a cycle of a new coach every few years since firing national championship-winning Larry Coker following the 2006 season. Manny Diaz is the fourth Miami head coach since Coker. Miami signed the 17th best recruiting class nationally in 2020 and followed that up with the 11th best class in 2021.

The 2022 Miami recruiting class is currently ranked 60th according to the 247 Sports composite. Miami has only eight commits after losing four-star cornerback Trequon Fagans to Alabama. Diaz discussed the increased importance of the transfer portal for Miami in 2022. Dennis Dodd of CBS sports discussed Diaz’s hot seat.

"Diaz’s career at Miami has a pulse after he probably should have been rated higher last go-around. Two straight wins have made a bowl game possible. Freshman QB Tyler Van Dyke has been an absolute find. Since last month, the Hurricanes have beaten then-No. 18 NC State and then-No. 17 Pittsburgh.At this point, it’s not so much a Diaz thing but a Miami thing. UM needs to upgrade (beyond a new indoor facility) and invest in an on-campus stadium. That second point is a long shot. In a modern twist, Diaz reportedly has leverage because the administration doesn’t want to lose young players and prospects.That beats firing a guy to get ahead in recruiting. October rating: 3 (Pressure is mounting)"

Van Dyke has led a resurgence in the Miami offense after they struggled in the first three games this season. Miami has a young offense that should continue to be potent through at least next season. The on-campus stadium is not going to happen and shouldn’t be the difference for Miami between winning and losing.

With Van Dyke at QB Miami has become a big-play offense. Van Dyke is tied for 13th nationally averaging 9.2 yards per pass attempt. Pittsburgh and North Carolina State are two of the best defenses in the ACC. Miami should continue to produce big plays against Georgia Tech on Saturday.

"The skinny: When the Hurricanes were 2-4, Diaz’s seat was hotter than ever. If Miami had continued down that path, Diaz would be higher on this list. However, young quarterback Tyler Van Dyke took over on offense, and the team has looked much different.Miami has now won two straight against a couple of the best teams in the ACC — NC State and Pitt — and there are reasons to be hopeful about the future of the ‘Canes."

National writers are confident in the performance of the young Miami players. The above summary came from 247 Sports. Diaz’s hot seat should be simple. If Miami continues to win Diaz will likely earn at least another season from the Hurricanes administration. One loss will get the fan base talking again.

Miami is a difficult position for a head coach. In addition to competing against their opponents, Miami is also competing against the past. The Hurricanes have not won a national championship in 20 years. Next year will be 20 years since Miami last appeared in a national championship game.

The future with how well the freshmen played for Miami against North Carolina State and Pittsburgh is positive for the future. Miami needs to keep winning and continue to show development this season for Manny Diaz to build positive momentum for the future of the Miami football program.