It’s official. Penn State is in the market for a defensive coordinator.
Manny Diaz, the Nittany Lions’ defensive play-caller the last two seasons, was formally named Duke’s new head coach. The program announced the news on Thursday night.
Diaz’s hiring became official after multiple national outlets reported on Thursday afternoon that the 49-year-old would be off to Durham.
Duke’s pursuit of Diaz began in earnest last week. Blue Devils brass met with Diaz, as well as Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and NC State defensive coordinator Tony Gibson, as they searched to replace Mike Elko, who left for the Texas A&M job.
The question surrounding Diaz the last two seasons has been how long Penn State would be able to keep him in Happy Valley. Diaz was hired ahead of the 2022 season after being fired by Miami. But it was always understood that Diaz would look for another head coaching gig.
In his second season, Diaz was a semifinalist for the Broyles Award, given to college football’s top assistant coach.
Diaz led a unit that ranked first in the FBS in total defense, allowing 223.3 yards per game — the lowest per game figure since Alabama’s 2011 national title-winning defense.
Penn State also ranked first nationally in yards per play (3.91) and sacks (48). The Nittany Lions were third in passing defense (153.6 yards per game), scoring defense (11.4 points per game), rush defense (69.7 yards per game) and tackles for loss (101).
Diaz directed a defense that shouldered the load as Penn State navigated its schedule to a 10-2 record and a Peach Bowl berth.
Penn State will now be without its original coordinators on both sides of the ball when facing Ole Miss. Offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich was fired after the Michigan game. Kansas play-caller Andy Kotelnicki was hired as his replacement, but he won’t be involved in the Peach Bowl. The offense will continue to be called by interim coordinators Ja’Juan Seider and Ty Howle.
It’ll be interesting to see who James Franklin names as interim defensive coordinator in Diaz’s absence. Safeties coach Anthony Poindexter, who could be an in-house permanent replacement, is a name to know.
Penn State and Ole Miss will square off in the Peach Bowl on Dec. 30 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
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