Diaz One of 15 Broyles Award Semifinalists
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — University of Miami defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Manny Diaz was selected as one of 15 semifinalists for the Broyles Award honoring the nation’s top assistant coach, it was announced Tuesday.
The Hurricanes defense has delivered another standout season under the direction of its second-year coordinator. Diaz has helped guide Miami to a No. 12 ranking in opponent yards per play (4.6), one of the most important metrics when measuring any college football defense in 2017. Additionally, Miami ranks No. 1 nationally in team sacks (3.80), fourth nationally in team tackles for loss (9.0) and first nationally in turnovers gained per game (2.7).
The Hurricanes (10-0, 7-0 ACC) rank No. 15 nationally in scoring defense, allowing an average of just 17.7 points per game. Miami has forced 19 turnovers over the past five games – more than 88 FBS teams have forced all year – and ranks seventh nationally in team passing efficiency defense (107.33).
The 15 semi-finalists are:
Alabama – Brian Daboll, Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
Auburn – Kevin Steele, Defensive Coordinator
Clemson – Tony Elliot, Co–Offensive Coordinator, Running Backs
Georgia – Mel Tucker, Defensive Coordinator
Iowa State – Jon Heacock, Defensive Coordinator/Safeties
Miami – Manny Diaz, Defensive Coordinator
Mississippi State – Todd Grantham, Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
Notre Dame – Mike Elko, Defensive Coordinator
Oklahoma – Bill Bedenbaugh, Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line
TCU – Chad Glasgow, Defensive Coordinator
UCF – Troy Walters, Offensive Coordinator
USC – Tee Martin, Offensive Coordinator/WR
Washington – Pete Kwiatkowski, Defensive Coordinator
Washington State – Alex Grinch, Defensive Coordinator / Secondary
Wisconsin – Jim Leonhard, Defensive Coordinator
From the list of 15, five finalists will be selected and invited to travel to Little Rock, Ark. where the 2017 Broyles Award winner will be announced on Tues., Dec. 5 at the Marriott Hotel.
The winner of the 2016 Broyles Award was Clemson’s defensive coordinator, Brent Venables. Winners from the past five seasons are not eligible for the 2017 Broyles Award.
Proceeds from the 2017 Broyles Award support the mission of the Broyles Foundation; to provide education, support, and resources to Alzheimer’s caregivers. The Broyles Foundation can be followed on Facebook and Twitter.
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About the Broyles Award
The Broyles Award was created in 1996 recognizing Coach Frank Broyles’ legacy of selecting and developing great assistants during his almost two decades as head coach at Arkansas. You can follow the Broyles Award on Facebook and Twitter.
About the National College Football Awards Association
The National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. The 21 awards boast 699 years of tradition-selection excellence. Visit NCFAA.org to learn more about our story.
About the Football Writers Association of America
The Football Writers Association of America, founded in 1941, consists of 1,300 men and women who cover college football. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards and its annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its award programs, contact Steve Richardson at tiger@fwaa.com
