Miami defensive coordinator Manny Diaz has helped transformed UM’s defense during his three seasons as a coach for the Hurricanes.

With the type of success that Diaz has led at Miami, job opportunities will arise.

According to FootballScoop.com, Temple has targeted Diaz as a candidate for their vacant head coaching job. Former Temple head coach Geoff Collins was hired at Georgia Tech in recent days.

The report also names Texas A&M defensive coordinator Mike Elko as a coach that Temple is interested in.

Temple, according to the report, has a preference for a defensive minded head coach.

LINK: Read the full report here.

Miami’s 2018 defense was among one of the best units in the country. The Hurricanes finished No. 2 nationally in total defense, No. 3 in yards per play allowed, No. 3 in pass efficiency defense, No. 11 in sacks, and No. 15 in scoring defense.

In 2015--the year before Diaz arrived at Miami--the Hurricanes ranked No. 69 in the country in total defense, No. 77 in scoring defense, and No. 70 nationally in sacks. Diaz bettered those numbers in his first season at UM. The Hurricanes improved to the No. 12 scoring defense, the No. 20 total defense, and No. 22 in total sacks in 2016.

Diaz has brought an aggressive and attacking style of play back to Miami—a different philosophy from the read and react system that Al Golden and his staff implemented. Diaz’s coaching style and scheme have been a perfect fit for the Hurricanes. South Florida produces an abundance of speedy players on defense that can execute Diaz’s system at a high level.

Diaz also receives plenty of praise for his ability to communicate with and develop his players.

FootballScoop says Temple is prepared to move fast with their hire and an announcement later this week is not out of the realm of possibility.