Penn State scoops up former ACC head coach as new DC

Penn State is hiring former Miami head coach Manny Diaz as its new defensive coordinator, according to a Saturday press release. He will replace new Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry as defensive coordinator and linebacker coach, serving alongside co-defensive coordinator Anthony Poindexter.

Penn State becomes the sixth school where Manny Diaz has served as defensive coordinator since 2006. After working four seasons at Middle Tennessee State, he quickly rose through the ranks at Mississippi State, Texas, Louisiana Tech and also Miami.

Diaz also served as head coach at Miami from 2019-21, accumulating a 21-15 record before parting ways in order to make room for new head coach Mario Cristobal and his staff. The 47-year old Miami native also went 0-2 in bowl games over three seasons and finished his final season 7-5 with a Sun Bowl berth.

Statement from Manny Diaz

The press release included a statement from Manny Diaz, who now joins the Penn State staff less than a week after his split with Miami.

“My family and I are so excited to come to Happy Valley and join the Penn State family,” said Diaz. “The opportunity to lead Linebacker U is an honor and I will work every day to uphold that tradition. Penn State’s defense has been among the nation’s best, both historically and under Coach Franklin. I will continue to pursue excellence with our defensive unit on a daily basis. I can’t wait to get on the field with this talented group, to get to know them, and to ultimately develop them as football players, students and young men. Penn State’s fans are the best in the country, and I look forward to seeing them this fall in Beaver Stadium!”

Statement from James Franklin

Head coach James Franklin also provided a statement on Penn State’s new defensive coordinator within the press release.

“We are thrilled to add Manny Diaz as our defensive coordinator,” said Franklin. “Manny is a veteran defensive play caller whose head coaching experience will bring tremendous value to our organization. He has an innovative approach to complement his extensive Xs & Os knowledge which he developed through his stops at multiple Power Five conferences. Manny’s defensive philosophy is in line with our scheme and will help in the transition with our current team. His defenses have been aggressive and led the country in several categories throughout his career. We are excited to have Manny and his family join us in Happy Valley!”