Mike Elko’s success with the Duke Blue Devils led him to take a higher-paying job with Texas A&M, where he’ll get to coach in the SEC. Duke’s search for a new head coach reportedly has the Blue Devils targeting Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz for their current vacancy.
Not only is Duke in heavy pursuit of Diaz, but a hire could be made in the next 24 hours, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Diaz is wrapping up his second season as defensive coordinator of the Nittany Lions, where Penn State ranked 20th and 12th in points allowed.
If Duke does hire Diaz, it will be his second chance at coaching a college football program after spending three seasons with the Miami Hurricanes from 2019 to 2021.
Diaz led the Hurricanes to a 21-15 record, including three bowl appearances. However, he lost both bowl games and was fired before getting a chance to coach in the third one.