Temple Hires Manny Diaz to be Next Head Coach

Written by: Gianfranco Illiano

Temple University and University of Miami defensive coordinator Manny Diaz are finalizing a deal to make Diaz the next head coach, according to Yahoo’s Pete Thamel.

After former Owls coach Geoff Collins took the Georgia Tech job, Temple wanted to quickly find the next head coach in time for the early signing period of recruiting that begins on December 19th.

Diaz was one of five candidates that Temple interviewed for the job alongside Texas A&M defensive coordinator Mike Elko, Baylor assistant head coach Fran Brown, Michigan defensive coordinator Don Brown, and Temple interim head coach Ed Foley.

The Inquirer reports Temple’s first choice was Elko, but he declined to take the job and will now stay on the Aggies’ staff.

Diaz will get his first opportunity to be a head coach after leading a Miami defense that was ranked second in the country.

It is still unknown whether or not Diaz will bring the “Turnover Chain” with him to Broad Street, which is a gold necklace used to reward the football team’s defensive players for forcing a turnover or touchdown.