Diaz hired by Miami weeks after taking Temple job
Manny Diaz is returning to Coral Gables to become the head coach at Miami despite being introduced Dec. 13 as the head coach of Temple.
The move caps a stunning Sunday for the Hurricanes, who saw Mark Richt shock the program by announcing his retirement after just three seasons at his alma mater.
"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," Miami athletic director Blake James said in a news release. "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."
Diaz, who has no previous experience as a head coach, was Miami's defensive coordinator from 2016-18. He was credited with the creation of the "turnover chain," which has been copied by programs around the country.
The move leaves Temple in search of its sixth permanent head coach since 2006. Al Golden, Steve Addazio, Matt Rhule, Geoff Collins, and now Diaz all left for Power 5 jobs after brief tenures with the Owls, who are one of the nation's most respected Group of 5 schools.
Let's look back at some of the greatest moments of the Manny Diaz era at Temple:
— Adam Kramer (@KegsnEggs) December 31, 2018
"Miami is home. The University of Miami is home. 'The U' has truly been 'the job' for me since I first got into coaching," said Diaz. "Having worked here over the past three years, I came to understand what it means to be part of 'The U' and came to appreciate the passion and commitment to excellence of all who proudly call themselves Canes.
"We will restore the football program to its place among the nation's elite and we will do it with hard work, dedicated coaches, and outstanding student-athletes."
Miami went 26-13 over the last three seasons under Richt, including 7-6 this year.
Diaz, 44, hails from Miami. He attended Florida State in the 1990s.