Manny Diaz Starts First Season as Duke Football Coach

Duke University has appointed former Miami head coach and Penn State defensive coordinator Mike Diaz as the new leader of its football program. Diaz steps in following a challenging period under David Cutcliffe, who led the team to success but saw a decline in performance during his final seasons. Under the previous head coach, Duke managed only 16 wins over two seasons. Diaz emphasizes the importance of learning from past experiences, both personally and as a coach, to foster growth within the team. Inheriting a significantly altered roster, Diaz faces the challenge of rebuilding after the loss of seven offensive starters and eight defensive players from last season. However, he is optimistic about the influx of graduate transfers, which he believes will help rejuvenate the team. “We feel like now we’re poised to go again,” Diaz stated, expressing confidence in the players' belief in their potential for success. Quarterback Malik Murphy, who previously played for the Texas Longhorns, is among the new additions generating excitement within the program. Murphy's experience and performance in spring games have made a positive impression on his teammates, who are eager to see how he will contribute under Diaz's leadership. Duke's football season kicks off on August 30 against Elon, followed by a significant matchup against Northwestern. The Blue Devils will also face their rival North Carolina at home on September 28 as part of their ACC schedule, marking a critical early test for Diaz and his revamped team.