Manny Diaz hires Blake Baker as defensive coordinator

Miami officially brings in Louisiana Tech assistant coach

Blake Baker has been named Miami's defensive coordinator. (HurricaneSports.com)

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Manny Diaz is continuing to build his staff after taking over as the University of Miami's head coach.

Diaz officially named Louisana Tech's Blake Baker as defensive coordinator Monday.

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Baker and Diaz worked together at Louisiana Tech.

"We're thrilled to welcome Blake to 'The U,'" Diaz said in a statement. "He built and orchestrated a fast, tenacious defense at Louisiana Tech that consistently made big plays. I have watched him grow and develop as a coach throughout his career and I'm confident he will help our defense continue to excel."

Safeties coach Ephraim Banda and linebackers coach Jonathan Patke had been promoted to co-defensive coordinators after Diaz briefly left for Temple. But things changed once Mark Richt announced his retirement.

When Diaz went to Mississippi State, Baker took his job.

"I couldn't be more excited," Baker said. "Obviously, the opportunity to get back together with coach Diaz, coach Banda and coach Patke, guys I've worked with in the past, was important, but also the chance to uphold the winning tradition they've had, both since they've been here and historically."


About the Author:

David Lang is executive producer of the Local 10 sports department.