Manny Diaz is Louisiana Tech’s new defensive coordinator
Former Texas defensive coordinator Manny Diaz will assume the same position at Louisiana Tech.
Diaz was fired from Texas following a 40-21 loss to BYU last season. During that game, the Longhorns allowed 550 yards rushing, the most in school history.
In 2011, the Longhorns’ defense ranked No. 11 nationally in total defense, which was the best in the Big 12. Texas also led the conference in rushing defense, pass defense and pass efficiency defense.
But things turned sour in 2012 and Texas notched its worst defensive numbers in school history. When things didn't get better in 2013, embattled coach Mack Brown let Diaz go.
Louisiana Tech announced the hire Tuesday afternoon.
“I am very excited Manny Diaz is joining our staff,” Tech coach Skip Holtz said in a release. “He brings great experiences with a lot of success at a lot of different stops. He brings excitement, a passion for the game, plenty of experience and a reputation for success that precedes him. I look forward to working with him and welcome him to the LA Tech Family.”
Prior to his struggles at Texas, Diaz was one of the most coveted defensive coordinators in the country. He earned that title after leading Middle Tennessee to some of its best defensive seasons in school history. During his four years with the Blue Raiders, Diaz’s defense led the conference in sacks and tackles for loss twice. The Middle Tennessee defense posted its lowest yards allowed averages during Diaz’s tenure.
In 2010, Diaz was hired by Mississippi State and led the Bulldogs to 22nd nationally in scoring defense.
Last season, Louisiana Tech ranked 61st in scoring defense, allowing 26.3 points per game and 63rd in total defense with 408.2 yards per game. It was especially deficient against the run, allowing 194.8 yards per game, which ranked 91st nationally.
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