Manny Diaz details the impact Mark Richt made on his career, the Miami program
By Keith Farner
Published:
Manny Diaz held his introductory press conference Wednesday morning as the new coach at Miami, and quickly offered praise for his former boss and predecessor, Mark Richt.
Diaz called Richt, “quite simply the best man I ever worked for,” as he candidly explained how the transition went for the former defensive coordinator, who left to take the Temple job before he returned to Miami after Richt announced his retirement. Diaz was reportedly the first choice for the decision-makers at Miami once Richt stepped down.
Diaz pointed out the series of upgrades Richt was instrumental in bringing to the Hurricanes program, from resources to the new indoor practice facility, which opened in August.
Richt will be someone Diaz leans on for advice, and will moving forward.
Diaz admitted the timing and circumstances took him by surprise, and even apologized to Temple and its players.
“I had every confidence in Mark Richt in bouncing back,” Diaz said, and added that there was, “No script for what took place Sunday.”
Manny Diaz on Mark Richt: "He's quite simply the best man I ever worked for."
— Christy Chirinos (@ChristyChirinos) January 2, 2019
Manny Diaz on Mark Richt: "We had communication. We have a great personal relationship. We have a great professional relationship…He is a person I will be leaning on for advice…He will always be a part of our success here."
— Josh White (@_JoshRWhite) January 2, 2019
One theme early in Manny Diaz's introductory newser: Thanking Mark and Katharyn Richt for what they've done for Miami, from coaching the Hurricanes, to helping with the construction of the IPF and more.
— Christy Chirinos (@ChristyChirinos) January 2, 2019
Manny Diaz on Mark Richt, “more than anything I have to thank Mark Richt. He came to his alma mater 3 years ago and left it in much better hands than when we arrived.”
— Will Manso (@WillMansoWPLG) January 2, 2019
Manny Diaz talking about how Mark Richt has left The U much better than he found it. He’s right. No matter what UM’s record was this year, the impact Richt made on the university and that athletic dept financially from a resource standpoint was a godsend to the Canes.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) January 2, 2019
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
