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Nearing the end of the 2016 CFB season, award lists have been coming out this week. On Wednesday, Miami Hurricanes Defensive Coordinator was announced as a nominee for the Broyles Award.
.@Coach_MannyDiaz has been officially named a nominee for the @BroylesAward.
— Canes Football (@CanesFootball) November 23, 2016
Well deserved, Coach! pic.twitter.com/Ec2384tohX
Diaz is one of 40 CFB assistants nominated for the prestigious award. You can see the entire list of nominees here.
A Miami native, Diaz has rejuvenated the Canes’ defense. Historically bad for years under the previous coaching staff and former DC Mark D’Onofrio, Miami has had an incredible turn around in just 10 months under Diaz.
Miami’s defense has better stats across the board this year, from yards allowed per game, to points allowed, to tackles for loss, to....everything. Matt Porter of the Palm Beach Post took a look at some of the numbers:
Why is Manny Diaz a Broyles Award nominee? https://t.co/4rQDSYiAcu pic.twitter.com/2wWnbbkYTw
— Matt Porter (@mattyports) November 23, 2016
Diaz has returned Miami to its defensive roots with an attacking 4-3 scheme that is built to utilize speed as a weapon. Miami has seamlessly blended youth — the Canes have started 5 freshmen on defense this year — with experience — players like seniors Corn Elder and Rayshawn Jenkins have been standouts this year — to great success. And, that success can be attributed largely to Diaz.
Congratulations Coach Diaz on the nomination.
He has my vote.