STARKVILLE — It’s a new beginning — not a return — for Manny Diaz.
That was the theme the Mississippi State football team’s new defensive coordinator followed Wednesday night when he was introduced to local media. In a news conference that lasted nearly 30 minutes, Diaz spoke about coming back to MSU after a four-year absence. On Monday, MSU coach Dan Mullen hired Diaz to replace Geoff Collins, who left MSU last month to take the same position at Florida.
“I don’t look at this as a going back,” said Diaz, who helped lead the Bulldogs to a 9-4 finish and a victory against Michigan in the Gator Bowl in 2010 in his lone season as MSU’s defensive boss. He then left MSU to become defensive coordinator at Texas. “I look at this as I am going forward. I know I’m a much better coach today than I was here four years ago. Mississippi State is a very different place today. I have always felt a sense of pride in the continued steps that Dan (Mullen) and the program have taken in the time I’ve been gone, culminating this year with being No. 1 in the country.”
After his hiring was announced Monday afternoon, Diaz arrived in Starkville on Tuesday. According to the 40-year-old Diaz, that’s when the work began.
“We jumped right into it,” Diaz said. “All day yesterday we were looking at film, looking at cutups from this season. Then again, we did that all day today, so we’re already looking forward to next season. The only bad part of it all is that we have to wait eight months or so until foot meets ball.”
Mullen, who led MSU to a 10-3 season in 2014, wasn’t at Diaz’s news conference.
Diaz returns to MSU after a one-year stop at Louisiana Tech, where he helped the Bulldogs rank among the nation’s leaders in several defensive categories. Louisiana Tech’s defense led the country in interceptions (26) and finished No. 2 nationally in tackles for loss (114).
Diaz said he and Mullen first spoke of the opening on MSU’s staff last week following the team’s 49-34 loss to Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl. That led to a face-to-face meeting over the weekend before Diaz’s was made official.
“It moved rather quickly,” Diaz said. “I think I spoke with Dan for the first time a day after the bowl game and then we really talked at length on Sunday.
“Over the last four years, Dan and I have maintained a good relationship. I believe we look at football the same way. Our expectations are in line with each other. We talked about this team and what can be accomplished here.”
In 2015, Diaz also will serve as MSU linebackers’ coach. According to a press release from the university, the three-year deal is worth $1.8 million. Diaz will be paid $575,000 his first year, $600,000 in 2016, and $625,000 in 2017. A buyout is included in the contract.
“When you look at the last four years, we’ve all grown and become different coaches,” Diaz said. “I believe there was a giant finger pushing me back to Starkville. (In Texas) I learned some things I had to learn, and now, coming back … I am a big believer in God’s plan. I look at my path back to Starkville, it’s clear this was God’s plan.”
Diaz said he already has been on the road recruiting. He also said there are no more anticipated coaching changes to MSU’s defensive staff. That means defensive line coach David Turner, safeties coach Tony Hughes, and cornerbacks coach Deshea Townsend are expected to be back to help Diaz build the defense for the 2015 season.
“I think it’s an outstanding staff of guys,” Diaz said. “Deshea, David and, of course, Tony, who I was with the time before. They are really good coaches, but also really good people. The more you’re around this, that really matters. This is a hard job in terms of what we do. You have to have people you trust and respect. You have to have everybody pointing the same direction.”
Diaz returns to a different MSU team than the one he left. In his words, “the expectations have changed.” But the facilities, team, and fans have changed, too, Diaz said.
“It’s amazing the difference,” Diaz said. “Just walking through the (Seal Football Complex), that building was a dream when I was here. It might have been a drawing. I remember the idea of it becoming real, but a shovel wasn’t even close to touching the ground. I haven’t seen that building since Sunday. Getting a chance to see that and seeing the renovations of the stadium, I mean, that’s a different place.”
In 2015, Diaz will field a defense that will lean heavily on returning starters Beniquez Brown (linebacker), Ryan Brown (defensive end), and Taveze Calhoun (cornerback). Although he only has seen the Bulldogs on film, Diaz is confident in his new group.
“This is a player-development job,” Diaz said. “I’m first and foremost looking forward to seeing how they work in our offseason program. Then you’ll go watch them in the spring. The first thing they have to do regardless of who is coaching is they have to better than they were a year ago.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brandon Walker on Twitter @BWonStateBeat
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