Young coordinators performing well in Texas
Two of the youngest coordinators in the FBS meet this weekend in Texas when UT takes on Texas Tech.
Manny Diaz was hired in January at age 37 to replace Will Muschamp as the leader of Texas' defense. Under Diaz, the Longhorns rank in the top 25 in 4 major defensive categories including rush defense (19), pass efficiency defense (9), total defense (13), and pass defense (9). This year's squad has seen significant improvement in both rush defense and in sacks (Diaz likes to bring pressure). Diaz began his coaching career as a Grad Assistant at Florida State working under Mickey Andrews. Diaz then moved to NC State where he coached the linebackers and then moved to defensive backs and special teams. In 2006 Diaz moved to Middle Tennessee as the defensive coordinator where he served until Dan Mullen made him the youngest coordinator in the SEC in 2010 at Mississippi State.
Make no bones about it, Diaz currently has an incredible job and we know he and his wife are incredibly happy at Texas. However, we're already beginning to hear his name being mentioned for potential head coaching openings. With Muschamp it seemed like it took about 4 years from when we first began hearing his name "in the mix" until it happened at Florida. It will be interesting to see if history repeats itself with Diaz.
On the opposite side of the field...
One of the youngest offensive coordinator in the FBS, Neal Brown (31) has had the playcalling duties at Texas Tech since the 2010 season. In his first year directing the offense for the Red Raiders, Brown ranked in the top 4 in the Big 12 in total offense and yards per game while also increasing the production on the ground by 57 yards per game. This season Brown has the offense ranked in the top 15 offenses in the country in passing offense (5), total offense (8) and scoring offense (14). Brown played under Hal Mumme (Mike Leach, Chris Hatcher and Tony Franklin were all on that staff), and coached with Franklin at Troy and then became offensive coordinator there when Franklin left. At Troy, Brown's offense put up prolific numbers and he developed into a very efficient play caller (his playbook is one of the smallest in FBS...but they produce). Tubs hired him in 2010 and the Texas Tech offense hasn't missed a beat.
While both of these guys are young, nobody is questioning their talent, teaching or coaching ability. Definitely two guys to keep you eyes on in the future.
Texas Tech will play Texas Saturday at noon on FX.
