OPINION: After being snubbed for top assistant honor, what more could Manny Diaz possibly do?

Editor’s note: This is an opinion piece and reflects the thoughts and opinions of the author.

Despite its shortcomings this season, Penn State football has stood out nationally for its stellar defense. But after the Nittany Lions assembled one of the best defenses in recent college football history, Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz was left off the Broyles Award finalist list for the top assistant coach in the country yesterday. In light of this surprising decision, I simply ask: what more can Manny Diaz do?

Manny Diaz Left Off of Broyles Award Finalist List

Named after former University of Arkansas Athletic Director Frank Broyles, the Broyles Award is given each year to the top assistant coach in the FBS. Many of its winners have gone on to become head coaches. 

On Monday, the Broyles Award announced its five finalists for 2023, which included Georgia OC Mike Bobo, LSU OC Mike Denbrock, Michigan OC Sherrone Moore, Oregon OC Will Stein, and Iowa DC Phil Parker. 

Shockingly, despite putting up one of the best defenses in recent college football history, Manny Diaz was left off the finalist list for the 2023 Broyles Award.

Needless to say, Penn State football fans, reporters, and staff were unhappy with the decision.

1st in Total D (Best Since '11 Bama)
1st in Sacks
2nd in Pass
3rd in TFLs (1st in Power 5)
3rd in Scoring
3rd in Run

2 B1G Shutouts (IOWA [31-0] and MSU [42-0]).

One of only 2 schools since 2000 to hold multiple opponents to 76 total yards or fewer in a single season.

😡

— Greg Kincaid (@GoPSUGreg) November 27, 2023

Bad job, guys. Real, real bad. Manny Diaz had as strong a season as any defensive coordinator I've ever seen. And Penn State's offense embarrassed — embarrassed — Parker's defense. Just not a lot of thought from the voters here. https://t.co/kuZhDIM0Zw

— Donnie Collins (@PennStateTT) November 27, 2023

Broyles Award just announced its 5 finalists, and #PennState defensive coordinator Manny Diaz is not among them. That's a joke.

— Rich Scarcella (@nittanyrich) November 27, 2023

The award lost its credibility. No Manny Diaz?! Are you kidding me?

— BF Parent (@BfParent9286) November 27, 2023

Manny Diaz got screwed. In fact he should turn down all head coaching offers come back to Penn State and do it again next year as a middle finger to everyone. https://t.co/nx050lfB5C

— Jordy (@JordyFaux) November 27, 2023

The numbers are there for Manny Diaz

How impactful Manny Diaz has been for Penn State football this season cannot be stressed enough. The Nittany Lions are in the top five in almost every defensive category. 

Penn State is giving up the fewest yards per game at 223.3. The Nittany Lions are giving up the second-fewest passing yards per game (153.6) and the third-fewest rushing yards (69.7). Nittany Lions’ opponents are averaging 11.4 points per game, good enough for third in the FBS.

Penn State football has also been exceptional at rushing the passer. Manny Diaz’s creative blitzes have caused the Nittany Lions to lead the nation in sacks at 48, six more than any other FBS team. Therefore, they also lead the nation in sack yardage at 339, the next closest being 271. Finally, Diaz’s unit averages half a sack more than any other team in the country at 4.0. 

The Nittany Lions have also been great in the turnover department. Penn State is tied for second in the nation with 25 turnovers gained. Combined with only six turnovers lost, Penn State has the highest turnover margin in the country. 

Penn State is second in the country in tackles for loss at 101, one fewer than the leader, Texas State. That said, the Nittany Lions have forced 451 negative yards, again the best in college football. 

Nittany Lions defense has made the most of star talent

Pretty much every defensive stat shows how great Manny Diaz has been this season. Penn State’s players have also been great due to his coaching. In his two years at Penn State, Chop Robinson has developed into a potential first-round NFL Draft pick. 

Additionally, Kalen King also has first-round potential at cornerback. Adisa Isaac has blossomed into a great EDGE rusher, with a team-leading 7.5 sacks. 

Whether it is team play or individual stats, Manny Diaz coached one of the best defenses Penn State football has ever had. Almost every defensive stat jumps off the chart. 

What more can Diaz possibly do?

There is no debate that national championship-winning teams must be excellent in all three phases: offense, defense, and special teams. The difference between the top four teams and other ranked programs is slim but involves being great on each side of the ball. 

Penn State football coach James Franklin has empowered Manny Diaz to become the “head coach” of the defense, a title he has taken and run with. As a result, Diaz deserves the bulk of the credit for this incredible defense, which has kept the Nittany Lions in the mix for a New Year’s Six Bowl. He undoubtedly deserves the Broyles Award for top assistant in college football. What more could he possibly do?

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