Diaz’s bridge is just about ready to give
SHREVEPORT, La. — That “bridge to 2020,” as Miami Hurricanes coach Manny Diaz referred to UM’s Independence Bowl against Louisiana Tech leading up to the game, is looking rocky at best — if not collapsed — after an embarrassing 14-0 shutout loss.
It won’t be an outcome that costs Diaz his job after just one season at the helm. Athletic director Blake James reaffirmed his commitment to Diaz following Thursday’s game in Shreveport, La.
Diaz must make sure the finish to the 2019 season, which also included losses to FIU and Duke, does not carry over into next season.
“The version we saw [Thursday] night can’t take part in 2020, in any way, shape or form,” Diaz said. “That’s up to me to fix and make sure that what that looked like [Thursday] night does not show up in 2020. … And it will get fixed.”
The first step toward fixing matters came Friday as Diaz fired offensive coordinator Dan Enos.
While James backed Diaz, he said that changes would be made on the coaching staff, tweeting, “Changes are necessary and expected. Manny is in the process of making a full assessment of the football program, including coaches and staff.”
“Everything [that] happened, happened exactly for a reason, and it’s brought us to this point,” Diaz said. “When you come to a point like this, there is a lesson that has to be learned, and that is a responsibility to correct the mistakes and fix what needs to be fixed. That will be our bridge to 2020.”
As that bridge remains under con