Manny Diaz (American football)'s Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Manny Diaz (American football). Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1991: All-Dade County Scholar-Athlete

In 1991, Manny Diaz was recognized as a Miami Herald honorable mention All-Dade County Scholar-Athlete for his achievements in football, basketball, and baseball.

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: 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.

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: 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: 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.

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.

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."

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.