Ephraim Banda and Jonathan Patke have been named co-defensive coordinators with former coordinator Manny Diaz taking the head coaching job at Temple and Jess Simpson was promoted to to associate head coach/defensive line the school announced on Friday evening.



“Our defensive unit is coming off an outstanding season and Coach Banda, Coach Patke and Coach Simpson were instrumental figures to that success,” head coach Mark Richt said in a statement. “Coach Banda and Coach Patke are both terrific teachers, motivators and recruiters, and I’m confident the determination and energy they bring to this program every day will help them continue to thrive in their new roles.

Banda has been at UM as the safeties coach since Richt arrived in 2016, Patke was named the outside linebackers coach earlier this season when the NCAA ruled teams could have a 10th coach after he served one season as a defensive quality control analyst, and Simpson is in his first year at Miami.

“All of these coaches are men of high character who not only know our defensive terminology and standards, but who will keep our players competing at a high level," Richt said. "I am committed to continuing the legacy of great defense here at the University of Miami and I am confident these moves will ensure that success going forward.”

Richt was pleased with the job Simpson has done since his arrival.

“In addition, Coach Simpson did a remarkable job with our defensive front this season," Richt said. "He is an excellent teacher, motivator and technician, and I’m excited to elevate him to Associate Head Coach. Being a long-time head coach himself, Coach Simpson can also assist me with big picture initiatives for our program."

Bowl practices are expected to begin next week in preparation for the Pinstripe Bowl against Wisconsin on Dec. 27.

Christopher Stock has covered the Miami Hurricanes since 2003 and can be reached by e-mail at stock@insidetheu.com and on Twitter @InsideTheU.