Penn State Football Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz Named Broyles Award Semifinalist
Penn State football defensive coordinator Manny Diaz was named a semifinalist for the Broyles Award Monday. The award is given to the nation’s best assistant coach in college football.
The votes are in, and we're proud to announce the 15 semi-finalists for the 2023 Broyles Award! Thank you, selection committee, for being a part of our award, and congratulations, coaches – we are proud of your success!
— The Broyles Award (@BroylesAward) November 20, 2023
We will announce our finalists next week, so stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/4YgNXPuFEZ
Diaz is nearing the conclusion of his second year at the helm of Penn State’s defense, which has established itself as one of the best in the country. The Nittany Lions are ranked No. 2 in total defense, No. 4 in scoring defense, No. 2 in sacks, and No. 5 in tackles for loss, per CFBStats.
Diaz came to Penn State after a gig as the head coach at Miami, where he struggled to generate much success for the Hurricanes. James Franklin said the day after Diaz was fired at Miami, Franklin called him to offer the job as Penn State’s defensive coordinator.
As Penn State’s season comes to a close, the likelihood of Diaz remaining in Happy Valley seems slim. Diaz has said that he’d like to be a head coach again in the future, but would only leave Penn State for the right opportunity. However, with notable jobs in the SEC and at other Power Five schools opening up this offseason, Diaz’s time with the Nittany Lions may be coming to a close.
The finalists for the Broyles Award will be announced next week and the ceremony for the award is scheduled for Tuesday, December 5.
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