Career Timeline of Manny Diaz (American football): Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 13, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Manny Diaz (American football) made an impact.

Manny Diaz is an American football coach currently serving as the head coach at Duke University. Prior to Duke, he was the defensive coordinator at Penn State. He was the head football coach at the University of Miami from 2019 to 2021. Diaz's coaching career includes defensive coordinator and assistant roles at several universities, including Mississippi State, Louisiana Tech, Texas, Middle Tennessee State, North Carolina State, and Florida State, showcasing a diverse background in college football.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1997: Production Assistant at ESPN

In 1997, Manny Diaz served as a production assistant at ESPN, with the 1997 Masters being the last highlight reel he worked on.

1998: Graduate Assistant at Florida State

In 1998, Manny Diaz started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Florida State University, working with defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews.

1999: BCS National Championship Game Appearance

In 1999, as a graduate assistant at Florida State, Manny Diaz was part of the team that appeared in the BCS National Championship Game, losing to the Tennessee Volunteers in the Fiesta Bowl.

2000: BCS National Championship Win

In 2000, as a graduate assistant at Florida State, Manny Diaz was part of the team that won the BCS National Championship against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the Sugar Bowl.

2002: Coaching Linebackers at NC State

In 2002, Manny Diaz coached linebackers for the NC State Wolfpack, contributing to one of the country's top-ranked defenses.

2002: Successful Season and Gator Bowl Victory

In 2002, Manny Diaz helped the NC State Wolfpack finish with an 11-3 record and a victory over Notre Dame in the Gator Bowl. NC State's defense was ranked 14th nationally in total defense and 10th in scoring defense.

2002: Linebackers Coach at NC State

In 2002, Manny Diaz was the linebackers coach at NC State.

2003: Coaching Linebackers at NC State

In 2003, Manny Diaz coached linebackers for the NC State Wolfpack, contributing to one of the country's top-ranked defenses.

2003: Play-Calling Duties and Bowl Win

In 2003, Manny Diaz shared play-calling duties for all 11 games for NC State and made all the defensive calls during the Tangerine Bowl win over the Kansas Jayhawks.

2004: Coaching Safeties at NC State

In 2004, Manny Diaz coached safeties for the NC State Wolfpack, contributing to one of the country's top-ranked defenses.

2004: Top Ranked Defense at NC State

In 2004, Manny Diaz's first year as safeties coach and special teams coordinator, NC State's defense was the top-ranked unit in the country. The defense held Ohio State and Florida State to under 130 yards of total offense during the season. His special teams also had three blocked punts and two returns for touchdowns.

2005: Coaching Safeties at NC State

In 2005, Manny Diaz continued coaching safeties for the NC State Wolfpack, maintaining a major role in their top-ranked defense.

2005: Defensive Success and Bowl Win with NC State

In 2005, the NC State Wolfpack football team, with Manny Diaz as safeties coach, finished eighth nationally in total defense and won against the South Florida Bulls in the Meineke Car Care Bowl.

2009: Sun Belt Conference Recognition

In 2009, Chris McCoy, coached by Manny Diaz at Middle Tennessee, was named the Sun Belt Conference co-Defensive Player of the Year. Several other players also earned all-conference honors.

2009: Defensive Success at Middle Tennessee

In 2009, Manny Diaz's defense at Middle Tennessee State University finished second nationally in tackles for loss and sixth nationally in sacks.

2009: Defense Ranking Before Diaz Arrival at Mississippi

In 2009, prior to Manny Diaz's arrival, the Mississippi State defense was ranked 71st in scoring defense, 62nd in rushing defense and 89th in TFL.

2010: Defensive Coordinator at Mississippi State

In 2010, Manny Diaz guided the Mississippi State Bulldogs defense, which ranked 22nd in the nation in scoring defense and 17th in rushing defense and tackles for loss.

January 2011: Defensive Coordinator for Texas Longhorns

In January 2011, Manny Diaz was introduced as the defensive coordinator for the Texas Longhorns.

September 7, 2013: Record-Breaking Rushing Yards Allowed

On September 7, 2013, the Texas Longhorns' defense, under Manny Diaz, allowed a school-record 550 rushing yards to Brigham Young University.

January 21, 2014: Defensive Coordinator at Louisiana Tech

On January 21, 2014, Manny Diaz was hired as the defensive coordinator at Louisiana Tech under head coach Skip Holtz.

January 5, 2015: Return to Mississippi State

On January 5, 2015, Manny Diaz returned to Mississippi State as defensive coordinator.

January 2, 2016: Defensive Coordinator at Miami

On January 2, 2016, Manny Diaz was named the Hurricanes’ defensive coordinator for the start of the 2016 campaign by University of Miami head coach Mark Richt.

2017: Continued Defensive Success and Orange Bowl Appearance

In 2017, Miami, under Manny Diaz as defensive coordinator, ranked among the nation's leaders in several defensive categories and appeared in the Capital One Orange Bowl. Diaz is considered the mastermind behind the "Turnover Chain."

December 13, 2018: Named Head Football Coach at Temple University

On December 13, 2018, Manny Diaz was named the 28th head football coach at Temple University.

December 30, 2018: Named Head Football Coach at Miami

On December 30, 2018, Manny Diaz left Temple University to return to Miami and was named head football coach.

2018: Top Ranked Defense at Miami

In 2018, Manny Diaz's final season as defensive coordinator, the Hurricanes ranked No. 4 in NCAA in total defense. Diaz and his staff also unveiled the second "Turnover Chain" in Miami's home opener against Savannah State.