Manny Diaz, a former Mississippi State defensive coordinator and current leader of Louisiana Tech’s defense, will interview for his old job in Starkville this week sources have told The Clarion-Ledger.

Diaz coached a Bulldogs’ 2010 defense that ranked 22nd in the nation in scoring (19.9 ppg) and 17th in rushing defense (119.0 ypg) before a three-year stint at Texas prior to this season at Louisiana Tech.

Sources say he could be interview as early as Monday to replace Geoff Collins who left to join Jim McElwain’s staff at Florida.

Mississippi St. ranked 12th in the SEC in total defense this season (424.4 ypg) and lose standouts Preston Smith and Benardrick McKinney.