Welcome (Back) to the U: Manny Diaz is Miami’s New Head Coach

It’s been a wild Sunday for Miami Hurricane fans. Early on it was announced that Mark Richt would retire at Miami — leaving the ‘Canes without a head coach and offensive coordinator. Fast forward to Sunday night, and Miami had re-hired former defensive coordinator Manny Diaz as its next head coach.

“Manny is one of the nation’s elite coaches and the Canes’ family has already embraced him and his incredible work ethic over the past three years,” Athletic Director Blake James stated. “He is absolutely the passionate and innovative leader that our program needs, and we will work together to build an incredible staff to move our program back into championship contention.”

The move is sudden, as Temple had already announced Manny Diaz as their new head coach. Diaz seemed eager to get the ball rolling in Philadelphia — being hired just two weeks prior. It all seemed confirmed until Diaz was spotted on Miami’s campus earlier today.

The buyout for Manny’s contract will cost Miami $4 million — a bargain when compared to what Richt’s would have been before his shocking retirement. Regardless, the move is undoubtedly energizing, as Diaz was easily the most beloved member of Richt’s staff. The rehiring of Manny Diaz also builds continuity within Miami’s staff, which will hopefully benefit the ‘Canes on the recruiting trail.

Welcome back to The U, coach.