Richt resigns, is replaced by Diaz
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Manny Diaz is back at Miami, before he ever left. And a whirlwind day for the Hurricanes has Diaz taking over as the school’s head football coach.
Diaz agreed Sunday night to become Miami’s coach — hours after Mark Richt stunned his alma mater by announcing his retirement.
Diaz was Miami’s defensive coordinator under Richt for three years, and agreed earlier this month to take over as the coach at Temple. He never made it to the Owls.
The 58-year-old Richt told his staff Sunday morning that he was retiring and informed athletic director Blake James of his decision around the same time. Richt, who had five years left on his contract and made a little more than $4 million annually, went 26-13 in three seasons at Miami, and 171-64 in 18 seasons between Georgia and the Hurricanes.
Miami struggled to a 7-6 record this season.
CFB TV ratings take a drop
Television viewership for the College Football Playoff on ESPN dropped from last season, dragged down by lopsided games and not being played on New Year’s Day.
ESPN said that Alabama’s 45-34 win against Oklahoma on Saturday night drew a 10.4 overnight rating and 19 million viewers. Alabama eventually led 28-0.
The network says Clemson’s 30-3 victory against Notre Dame earlier Saturday drew a 10.3 rating and 16.8 million viewers.
Last season, when the semifinals were played on New Year’s Day and Georgia and Oklahoma went to overtime, the games averaged a 13.9 rating and 24 million viewers.
Florida’s Taylor to enter draft
Florida junior offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor is forgoing his final year of college eligibility and entering the NFL draft.