Manny Diaz pens goodbye letter to Penn State after accepting Duke job

Former Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz penned a goodbye letter to the Nittany Lions. Diaz accepted the Duke head coaching gig after Mike Elko left the Blue Devils for Texas A&M.

Diaz is back to being a leader of a program. The former Miami head coach impressed a lot of people nationwide with his ability to coach and recruit on the defensive side of the ball for Penn State.

For that, he’ll forever be grateful.

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— Manny Diaz (@Coach_MannyDiaz) December 10, 2023

“Thank you Penn State – for everything,” Diaz wrote. “It has been a great couple of years in State College. Being part of the tradition, history and passion surrounding this incredible football program is an experience the entire Diaz family will forever cherish.

“I am a better coach for the time spent here and I could not be more appreciative to James (Franklin) for giving me this opportunity. The faith, trust and support from James, Pat Kraft, President Bendapudi and the entire leadership team at Penn State means the world to me.”

Diaz went 21-15 in three seasons as Miami’s head coach, although he was let go ahead of the team’s Sun Bowl appearance in 2021.

He led the Hurricanes to three postseason appearances, but did not win a bowl game during his time. Diaz will now attempt to keep the good fortunes rolling at Duke.

“This is an undeniably special place and I will miss the outstanding players, coaches and staff that show up every day ready to excel,” Diaz said. “The chemistry we experienced between the defensive coaches and players was infectious. This entire team is an incredible group of men that will propel the Nittany Lion program to great things – on and off the field. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you and we will miss you all.”

Head coach James Franklin was appreciative of Diaz’s time and the impact he had on the defensive unit.

“We truly appreciate everything Manny and his family contributed to Penn State the past two seasons,” Franklin said. “Our team and staff have nothing but respect for Manny and the leadership he brought to our program. He was a tremendous teacher, mentor and friend while in Happy Valley. We wish him and his family all the best at Duke!”

Under Elko, Due went 16-9 in two seasons and finished 9-4 in 2022, winning the Military Bowl. However, Diaz will have to find a new quarterback since Riley Leonard entered the transfer portal.

Perhaps this next stop for Diaz will be a more successful one compared to South Beach, or well, Coral Gables.