La. Tech names Diaz defensive coordinator

RUSTON, La. (AP) — Louisiana Tech head football coach Skip Holtz says he’s hired Manny Diaz as his defensive coordinator.

Diaz comes to Tech after serving in the same position for two-plus seasons at Texas, where he was fired two games into last season.

This marks Diaz’ fourth defensive coordinator job, having held the same position at Middle Tennessee and Mississippi State before joining the Longhorns in 2011.

In 2012, Diaz’s Texas defense allowed 212 yards passing per game, which ranked third in the Big 12 Conference, while leading the league in sacks and tackles for losses.

For two seasons, Diaz coached safety Kenny Vaccaro, who was the New Orleans Saints’ first-round draft pick in 2013.

Holtz says Diaz “brings great experiences with a lot of success at a lot of different stops.”