Miami Officially Fires Manny Diaz, Oregon's Mario Cristobal Expected To Be Next Head Coach
The Manny Diaz era at Miami is officially over.
Miami announced on Monday that they have relieved Diaz of his duties as head coach after three seasons. President Julio Frenk released a statement on the decision to go in a different direction.
“We are grateful to Coach Diaz for his many contributions to our campus community and to his native South Florida, and for the strong leadership and exemplary character he exhibited during his tenure at the University,” Frenk said. “We wish him and his family the very best as they move forward.”
Diaz's tenure in Coral Gables ends with a 21-15 record overall and a 7-5 record in 2021. Diaz, 47, led Miami to back-to-back bowl appearances in 2019 and 2020 before accepting a bid to the Sun Bowl this season. Diaz released a statement to Twitter and said he was unhappy with how things played out with Miami over the past few weeks.
"I am disappointed in the University's decision and the manner in which this played out over the last few weeks," Diaz said. "The uncertainty impacted our team, our staff and their families -- these are real people that gave everything to this program. For that, for them, I hurt."
It's been a week filled with rumors for Miami, as the school continues its search for a new athletic director. Miami is reportedly targeting Clemson athletic director Dan Radakovich. Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal is expected to become the next head football coach at Miami, as OutKick's Armando Salguero reported on Sunday.
Cristobal, 51, has strong ties with the Hurricanes. Cristobal starred on the offensive line at Miami from 1989-1992, winning a National Championship in 1989 and 1991. Per 247Sports' Matt Howe, Cristobal reportedly told his team during a meeting on Monday morning that he is leaving for Miami.
The reported terms on the contract is 10 years, $8 million per season, per The Athletic’s Manny Navarro.
Follow Nick Geddes on Twitter @NickGeddesNews and on Instagram @nick.geddes.