MSU announces Manny Diaz as new defensive coordinator
STARKVILLE Call it Psycho Defense Part II.
Mississippi State found a replacement for the originator of its defense's nickname. MSU announced Monday the hiring of Manny Diaz.
There shouldn't be difficult retaining that moniker under Diaz. In his only season as its defensive coordinator a Louisiana Tech, he helped its defense lead the country in turnovers created.
"Manny's experience and development of players speaks for itself, MSU coach Dan Mullen said in a university release. "When you look at the number of players he has helped reach the NFL, it's a testament to his abilities."
It marks Diaz's second stint in Starkville.
Diaz spent the 2010 season as MSU's defensive coordinator under Mullen. This time around Diaz signed a three-year deal. He'll again also work with the linebackers.
The deal is worth $1.8 million, including $575,000 in Diaz's first year, $600,000 in 2016 and $625,000 in 2017. A buyout is included in the contract but wasn't released by the university.
"I want to thank Dan (Mullen) and Scott (Stricklin) for this opportunity," Diaz said. "When you look at the new standard Mississippi State has set and the national prominence that has come with the accomplishments of 2014, we want to continue to raise the bar here."
Diaz replaces Geoff Collins, who accepted the same position at Florida. Collins signed a two-year deal last offseason worth $1.2 million.
Last year, he helped Louisiana Tech limit opponents to 24.7 points per game last year, which ranked 39th in the country. La. Tech ranked 17th in the country in rushing defense, allowing 118.2 yards per game. Its pass defense ranked 91st, surrendering 244.3 yards per game.
Fans shouldn't expect much of a philosophical change from what was run under Collins. Diaz will bring the same fire to the sidelines as well.
Diaz's defense at Louisiana Tech was built on stopping the run, getting off the field on third down and turnovers. They were three pillars of defense under Collins too.
La. Tech ranked 17th in the country last season allowing 118.2 rushing yards per game. It held opponents to 34.7 percent conversion rate on third down and led the country in creating 42 turnovers. Five were returned for touchdowns. The scores weren't a fluke either. Diaz has his defenses execute returns during practice, including pitching the ball to teammates.
A new wrinkle that could be added into Mississippi State's defense is the "prowler" formation. Diaz may set one or two defensive lineman and clutter the secondary with athletes -- which at times included two linebackers and seven defensive backs at La. Tech.
It makes it difficult to pass and easy to unleash exotic blitzes.
"This is a tremendous place to develop players on and off the field and ultimately compete for championships," Diaz said. "I am thrilled to be a part of the Mississippi State family and can't wait to get to work on the 2015 season."
Diaz left Starkville in 2011 to go to Texas as the Longhorns' defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. He was fired during the 2013 season, then joined Louisiana Tech in 2014.
In Diaz's first go-around with MSU, he guided a defense that ranked 22nd in the nation in scoring (19.9 ppg) and 17th in rushing defense (119 ypg).
Prior to Diaz's arrival in 2009, the defense finished 71st in scoring (26.8), 62nd in rushing (146).
It's still uncertain if he'll get to the opportunity to work with linebacker Benardrick McKinney. The junior continues to contemplate a decision regarding the NFL.
Diaz has experience producing talent at the next level in Starkville. He coached all four former Bulldog linebackers currently in the NFL.
MSU's defense needs a boost after it ended with its two worst performances of the season.
Ole Miss gained 532 yards in the Egg Bowl loss. Georgia Tech surpassed that with 577 in the Orange Bowl.The Yellow Jackets rushed for 452 yards -- the most of any team since Mullen arrived in 2009.
Mississippi State struggled throughout 2014 trying to slow down opponents' passing games. MSU ranked 117th in passing yards allowed. It gave up more than 272 yards per game.
That figure was helped by Georgia Tech only throwing for 125 yards in the Orange Bowl. But the Yellow Jackets only attempted 12 passes and defeated MSU
"We pride ourselves on playing great defense at Mississippi State," Mullen said. "He's always had outstanding relationships with players, and I know he will excel in this role as part of the Bulldog family."
Contact Michael Bonner at (601) 961-7289 or mbonner@jackson.gannett.com. Follow @MikeBBonner on Twitter.