After back-to-back nine-win seasons, an ACC title and with Duke standing 6-2 this year, it’s inevitable that bigger programs will be looking at Manny Diaz as their possible next head coach.
On Monday, Diaz answered questions about that, especially regarding Florida State, where Mike Norvell was just fired after six-plus seasons.
“Last year, my bags were packed for Penn State. I addressed the team last night. I made it pretty clear I’m really, really happy here. I love being here.” Diaz said. “Internet rumors are going to be internet rumors. I told the coaches and players the same.”
It makes sense that the Seminoles would consider Diaz a possible replacement. The 52-year-old coach was born in Miami, coached the Hurricanes and has deep ties to the Sunshine
State, which puts out as many quality players as any other state. Diaz has also taken Duke to new heights with a limited budget, something that wouldn’t be a problem in Tallahassee.
Still, while getting to a bowl game and winning nine games a season will make you a hero in Durham, the pressure would rise to the nth level if he took over a Florida State program where championships are expected.
Diaz is also aware that his players might be facing the same decision.
“I told coaches and players we're the same,” he said. “Everybody thinks our players are going to go somewhere else. So it's a cause of success, which I'd rather have than the alternative.”
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This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Manny Diaz on FSU rumors: 'I'm really, really happy here'
