Dan Connor sheds light on Manny Diaz, Penn State success

Fifteen years after his career as a Penn State player came to a close, Dan Connor remains the Nittany Lions’ record-holder for tackles. His 419 are atop the career chart while his 145 stops in 2007 place second only to Greg Buttle’s 165 in 1974.

Returning to Penn State as a defensive analyst this season, having coached in the high school and college ranks the past seven years after a six-season NFL career, Connor now works closely with defensive coordinator Manny Diaz. 

And he loves what he’s seen. Contextualizing what that means for Penn State’s current linebackers, it’s a fit that revs Connor’s enthusiasm.

“It’s a system I would have really liked playing in, just because it allows you to really make plays in the backfield at linebacker,” Connor said. “We don’t really play at level two and sift across. Whatever gap you’re in, that’s what you got. So you’re an A gap player, you don’t have to worry about the edge or anything. You can run right through the A gap. And usually, your coverage when we’re in man, it’ll be the running back or something within the box.”

Dan Connor’s take on Penn State’s defense

Speaking with Steve Jones on the Penn State Coaches Show this week, Connor offered other insights into Diaz’s first season.

A veteran defensive coach, Diaz’s time with the Nittany Lions has gotten off to a flying start. The Nittany Lions are ranked fifth in run defense nationally, and eighth in team passing efficiency. Most important, they’re tied for 15th in scoring defense, allowing just 14.8 points per game. 

While the Nittany Lion defensive players have acknowledged some of the complexities of Diaz’s system, Connor revealed the secret to the unit’s acclimation.

“Football is chaotic. It’s really a free for all on every play. It’s 22 players making independent decisions,” Connor said. “He has a really clear vision and message and way he sees the game. And then he presents it to the defense and the linebackers in a concise, clear way. So, it’s not telling them 100 different things.”

Rather, Connor continued, some of the confusing elements of the game are wiped away. Instead of inundating players with the specifics of stopping “power and counter and duo and crease,” Connor said directives are to “stop the inside run game” or “protect on deep shots.”

Watching film with Diaz of an upcoming opponent each week for hours at a time, Connor has left the experience understanding how and why the defensive coordinator connects with his players.

“We’ll sit in the offense for about six hours watching every play of an opponent. And he talks to us as we go through. He kind of streams consciousness and talking through it,” Connor said. “It doesn’t take him long to figure it out. It doesn’t take him long to concentrate on what will win the game for us. And then he makes his message really, really clear to the players. They’re going in Saturday afternoons knowing, If I do these two things, these three things, we will be successful.”

Penn State’s defensive impressions

So far this season, the Nittany Lions have been.

Though limited in his ability to coach due to his role as an analyst in the program, Connor also has the vantage point of spending time with players in something of an advisory role. Able to offer tips to players and produce cut-ups, his perspective is one that has been shared by Diaz this season, that of being impressed by Penn State’s grasp and enthusiasm for the game.

“I don’t want to speak for Coach Diaz, but he’s mentioned that’s what’s impressed him the most coming up to Penn State. He knew he was gonna get tough guys, football guys, and all the stuff you get with a Penn State linebacker. How smart they are and how conscientious they are and type A personality and all that stuff,” Connor said. “And they’re incredibly coachable. You can tell them anything and they take the coaching and they do it immediately. 

“It really challenges you as a coach. You got to choose your words wisely because they’re gonna apply it instantly. So, whatever you choose to say as your message, as your theme, they’re gonna do it. And, it’s got to show results. But it’s a really bright room, really a highly motivated room.”