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Reports: Duke football targeting Manny Diaz as next head coach

Penn State defensive coordinator has coached in ACC, including at Miami and NC State

Published

December 7, 2023

Manny Diaz, Penn State's defensive coordinator, is the top candidate for the Duke head job, per sources. Photo courtesy Penn State athletics | GoPSUSports.com

Duke is expected to hire Penn State defensive coordinator and former Miami head coach Manny Diaz to lead the Blue Devils, ESPN reported Thursday.

Diaz would replace Mike Elko, who departed to become the head coach at Texas A&M after guiding Duke to a 16-9 record in two seasons in Durham, N.C.

Diaz, 49, compiled a 21-15 record with the Hurricanes from 2019-21 before joining James Franklin’s staff in 2022. His Nittany Lions rank third in the nation in scoring defense this season (11.4 points per game).

Diaz was the defensive coordinator at Miami (2016-18), Mississippi State (2010, 2015), Louisiana Tech (2014), Texas (2011-13) and Middle Tennessee (2006-09).

The Blue Devils (7-5, 4-4 ACC) are scheduled to face Troy in the Birmingham Bowl on Dec. 23. Associate head coach and running backs coach Trooper Taylor is serving as the interim coach.

–Field Level Media