Manny Diaz Reflects on Football Journey, Emphasizes Toughness at Duke

Durham, N.C. — Approaching his second season as the head coach of Duke University football, Manny Diaz is defining his coaching philosophy amidst a rapidly evolving college football landscape. In a recent interview with Adam Breneman for the “Next Up” series, Diaz, who previously coached at the University of Miami and Penn State, shared his insights on leadership, culture, and resilience.

Diaz, who succeeded 2022 ACC Coach of the Year Mike Elko, described the context in which he has taken over the program. With a solid first season record of 9-4, including a 5-0 start, he understands the challenges ahead. “Duke is poised to be a contender every year,” Diaz said. “You can win here, sustainably.”

Emphasizing the importance of toughness, Diaz noted, “You have to cultivate that in your players.” He drew from his experiences, including being fired from the University of Texas in 2013 after overseeing a defense that allowed a school-record 550 rushing yards. He reflects positively on that moment, stating, “It forced me to really come to terms with what I believe in.”

Diaz attributed some of his coaching philosophy to the influence of former USC coach Pete Carroll. He admires Carroll’s player-centric approach and high energy, which he aims to replicate at Duke. “You see something in your players they don’t see in themselves,” he said, detailing his commitment to fostering individual growth.

Addressing the modern challenges of recruitment, especially in the era of the transfer portal, Diaz acknowledges the need for adaptability. He aims to utilize lessons learned from previous failures to enhance the recruitment process and build a deeper connection with players. “You can’t just learn from winning,” he explained. “Success isn’t the best teacher.”

As he continues to develop a cohesive staff and build relationships with his players, Diaz’s focus remains on instilling core values of integrity, hard work, and discipline. “Toughness, passion, and competitive excellence” are the cornerstones of the culture he hopes to establish at Duke, culminating in the trust that he believes is vital for success.

Looking forward to the upcoming season, Diaz remains optimistic about the potential growth of the program, stating, “Recruiting is critical; understanding the character of the players we want is paramount.” His vision combines elements from his past experiences and a commitment to building a resilient, long-lasting football culture at Duke. As he further navigates his role, Diaz is determined to elevate Duke football to new heights on the collegiate stage.