Temple Football Taps U Of Miami's Manny Diaz As Headcoach

PHILADELPHIA – About a week after Temple Football headcoach Geoff Collins announced his departure for Georgia Tech, the school has found its new football headcoach.

Temple University announced Thursday that Manny Diaz has been hired as head football coach.

Diaz is coming to Temple from the University of Miami, where he had served as defensive coordinator. He has 13 years of experience as a defensive coordinator at the FBS level.

"We are thrilled to have Manny lead our football program," Director of Athletics Patrick Kraft said. "After spending time with him, I understand why he has had tremendous success as a football coach and why his players are so devoted to him."

During his 21-year coaching career, Diaz has coached numerous all-conference and NFL players at seven collegiate institutions. He has coached in 17 bowl games, with his teams amassing a 13-4 record in bowls, not including Miami’s upcoming Pinstripe Bowl game against Wisconsin.

"I am so excited to be in Philly and honored to be the head coach at Temple University," Diaz said. "I can’t wait to get in front of our Temple TUFF guys and then to get on the road recruiting. I am looking forward to bringing in a great class of guys that want to take Temple to the next level."

Diaz has served as defensive coordinator at Miami, Mississippi State University, Louisiana Tech University, the University of Texas, and Middle Tennessee State University.

This season, the Hurricanes ranked second in the nation in total defense, allowing 268.3 yards per game, and led the nation in fewest passing yards allowed (140.8). Miami also allowed just 18.2 points per game, ranking 15th nationally in that category.

Diaz, a Miami native, began his coaching career at Florida State University and was part of the Seminoles' national title-winning coaching staff in 1999.

Diaz and his wife, Stephanie, are the parents of three sons: Colin, 21, Gavin, 15, and Manny III, 13.

AP Photo/Alan Diaz