CORAL GABLES (Fla.) -- Coach Manny Diaz has been under fire from Blake James, the Miami Hurricanes' athletic director. He was not ready to give any predictions about how the season will play out.
James answered ESPN.com's question about Diaz being on the hot seat. Each of my coaches are evaluated based on how they and their teams perform. This is clearly a disappointing season. Sixteen games are gone and six more to go. We are focusing on winning the next six games and doing all we can.
James would not also say whether he would make coaching changes in the off-season.
James stated, "It's impossible to look into the past." "I don’t know what’s going to happen again. "I think everyone is constantly being evaluated and you make the best decisions for the program.
Miami entered the season preseason as a top-15 team and had high expectations of challenging in the ACC's Coastal Division. Miami's first loss to Alabama has been a setback. Losing quarterback D'Eriq King, as well as a number of other starters, has only exacerbated the problem. Despite being in a position to win their first two games, the Hurricanes lost to Alabama and North Carolina on the final play.
James stated that Manny has done what he needed to to make Miami win again. But if you look at the last two games, James believes Manny is doing the right thing. "Two plays are going in a different direction, and we're at 2-0 on the Coastal. Despite that, you have to find ways to win these games. We aren't winning them. Manny is currently working to get us there. We haven't had as much success as we would like, but that's what our fans expect.
After Mark Richt's 2018 season, Diaz was hired as Miami coach for his third season. This season, he took over the playcalling duties of the defense. However, this unit has been criticised for its poor tackling and missed plays.
He stated earlier this week that Saturday's match against No. 18 NC State and has defended the program's direction, saying he has recruited a talented group of young players to help him build his team. Miami has a No. 32 recruiting class. 32 in the ESPN rankings 2022. Recent weeks have seen a rise in criticism from fans, resulting in more negativity around the program.
Diaz stated Monday that he had "a lot of guys who have a lot pride that want win," during his weekly news conference. They are not happy with how the year has gone. Nobody is happy about the year that has passed. From an outside noise perspective, there can't possibly be more disturbing than what's happening in this room. We have the chance to make a difference.
James stated that even though the Hurricanes played well over the past two weeks, his final evaluation will include everything.
There are many things to consider when evaluating a team. What are our development and growth rates? What are the results of the young people participating in the program? How are we recruiting? James said. James said, "There is a long list of things that are part of the evaluation. The top is winning. That's something we must always evaluate in our programs at the University of Miami. Right now, we aren't winning enough.
James also reiterated the university's commitment to the athletic department.
He stated, "We are committed to winning as an organization." "So whatever it takes, I have complete confidence that this is the right step for our institution. The institution is committed to seeing the athletics program succeed at its highest level.
