What to expect from new Hurricanes football coach Manny Diaz

Last season was supposed to be the one that would take the Hurricanes over the top, with the team coming in as a top 10, preseason favorite. After all, the team had come from a 10-win campaign in 2017 and gotten the program’s first ACC division crown. Sadly, that team had managed a mere 7-6 record and, after the dark clouds had parted, then-coach Mark Richt decided to call it quits, says financial advisor and Miami Hurricanes supporter Patrick Dwyer.

Image source: miamiherald.com

Now the job of coaching the 2019-20 team has landed on the shoulders of the team’s former defensive coach Manny Diaz. Interestingly, Diaz had been packing his bags on his way to a coaching stint at Temple when the phone rang, offering him helming duties for the Canes. Diaz simply couldn’t say no to the opportunity; he thanked Temple immediately, begging off and, well, unpacking.

As the dust of the whirlwind offseason settles, Canes fans’ attention is now on what Diaz can bring to the table. And everything looks good, so far: Diaz is already one of the top and elite coaches in the nation and has been with the Miami program for three years. Adjustment, therefore, shouldn’t be an issue. Moreover, Diaz has been known for his passion for the sport and his willingness to innovate. He should be able to build a great staff on just his first coaching year.

Of course, Diaz’ stint as the team’s former defensive coordinator should prove crucial in the composition and approach of the new Canes team. Miami’s defense is already one of the most lauded in recent years, and it just stands to get even better entering the 2019-20 season. Diaz just needs to hire an equally solid offensive coordinator, Patrick Dwyer adds.

Financial advisor Patrick Dwyer is a huge follower and supporter of the Miami Hurricanes football and basketball teams. Visit this blog for related posts.

Canes in 2019: The search for the next head football coach

Just a few days after the Miami Hurricanes’ loss against the Wisconsin Badgers in Pinstripe Bowl, Canes’ head football coach Mark Richt announced his retirement. Making things official, Athletic Director Blake James led a press conference to get into the details.

Image source: caneswatch.blog.palmbeachpost.com

After 18 years as a football coach, Richt is bidding farewell to his career. The last three years of his career was spent working with his alma mater, the University of Miami. The talk now focuses on who will fill his shoes as head coach. Fans, enthusiasts, and UM’s management all have their picks.


Mario Cristobal is among the top choices for the position. He is completing his first year as Oregon’s head coach and maintains direct ties to the UM program. He participated in a couple of national championship teams and worked as a grad assistant from 1998 to 2000 before becoming an assistant coach for three years, leading to his six-year stretch as FIU’s head coach. The following years he spent working with Alabama, then Oregon.

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Butch Davis is another tough contender for the position, having worked with the Canes in the past as a coach. In just a couple of years, he has transformed the Panthers into a tough-to-beat team in the Conference-USA, playing 17-9 since taking charge prior to the 2017 season. Manny Diaz, currently Temple’s head coach, could have been the Canes’ head coach had Richt made the decision a few weeks before the former accepted the coaching job at Temple on December 12. Diaz is a Miami native and was UM’s defensive coordinator.


Patrick Dwyer, a financial advisor, is an ardent supporter of the Miami Hurricanes, and an avid fan of college basketball and college football. For more updates about the Canes, visit this blog.